Dennis Hauger to Run in the NTT Series with Dale Coyne Racing in 2026 in Partnership with Andretti Global
Another Indy NXT champion is getting his shot at the big time. Dale Coyne Racing, a team with a knack for spotting raw talent, has made a move that has the paddock buzzing. They’ve signed the reigning INDY NXT by Firestone champion, Dennis Hauger, to pilot one of their Honda-powered entries for the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season.
It’s a move that feels both exciting and incredibly smart, pairing a hungry young driver with a team that knows how to win. But this isn’t just about a new driver joining the grid. The announcement came with another bombshell: Dale Coyne Racing is entering a technical partnership with Andretti Global starting in 2026.
This isn’t just a simple handshake deal, but a strategic alliance that could reshape the midfield and give DCR the technical muscle it needs to consistently compete at the front. For Hauger, it’s the best of both worlds: a tight-knit, focused environment like that of a more minor team, combined with the powerhouse engineering resources of a giant like Andretti.
Why Dennis Hauger is a Name to Watch
If you followed the INDY NXT season last year, you already know why this is a big deal. Dennis Hauger didn’t just win the championship; he dominated it. As a rookie, the 22-year-old from Norway stormed through the season, racking up an incredible six wins, five more podiums, and seven pole positions in just 14 races. He clinched the title with a race to spare at the Milwaukee Mile, proving he could handle ovals just as well as road and street courses.
That kind of adaptability is exactly what you need to succeed in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.His path to INDYCAR wasn’t a short one, either. Before he ever set foot on American soil, Hauger was grinding his way up the notoriously tricky European single-seater ladder. He won the Italian F4 championship in 2019 and went on to become the FIA Formula 3 Champion in 2021.
He then spent three hard-fought seasons in Formula 2, where he bagged five wins and 13 podiums. This isn’t a driver who lucked into a top ride; this is a driver who has earned it every step of the way, proving his mettle against some of the best young talent in the world. He knows what it takes to win, and more importantly, he knows how to fight.
What an Andretti Partnership Means for the Grid
The technical alliance with Andretti Global is what makes this move so compelling. Dale Coyne has always been a master of finding diamonds in the rough. Still, sometimes the team has lacked the consistent engineering firepower to turn that talent into regular race wins. This partnership changes the game.
It provides DCR with access to Andretti’s extensive data, setup information, and simulation tools. For a driver like Hauger, who is already familiar with the Andretti system from his INDY NXT championship run, it’s a massive advantage. He won’t be starting from scratch. Instead, he’ll be stepping into a program with a built-in support system.
Team owner Dale Coyne sees the massive potential here. “This is a great opportunity for us here at DCR to bring on a talented driver and gain a strong technical partner in Andretti Global,” he said. He also gave a nod to Dan Towriss, an Andretti Global team partner, for his belief in the sport and his commitment to elevating young drivers like Hauger to the top. It feels like a genuine win-win for everyone involved. For Hauger, the excitement is palpable.
“The progress the team has shown this year is really impressive, and it’s an honor to take my place on the grid with them in 2026,” he shared. He knows that having those familiar Andretti faces in his corner will make his rookie season that much smoother. It’s a chance to contribute to a growing team while continuing his development with a group that has already guided him to a championship.
Final Thoughts
The journey begins soon. Hauger is scheduled for an offseason test at Mid-Ohio with the team, and then all eyes will be on his official debut at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg to kick off the 2026 season. It’s a story we see every few years in INDYCAR: a young, hungry champion stepping up to challenge the veterans. But with the backing of both Dale Coyne and Andretti Global, Dennis Hauger’s arrival feels different. It feels like the start of something special.
