League: IndyCar Sport: Motorsports Country: United States Category: Transactions

Coyne discusses Hauger's IndyCar exit amid communication issues

Racer • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 24, 2026, 1:48 PM

Last updated Sep 24, 2026

Coyne discusses Hauger's IndyCar exit amid communication issues

Summary

Dale Coyne expressed surprise at the departure of Dennis Hauger from his IndyCar team for next season. Coyne had planned to elevate the Rookie of the Year to the lead car alongside new Indy NXT champion Nikita Johnson. However, without signed contracts, he attributes the split to a communication breakdown, suggesting Hauger became apprehensive. Coyne's team is now re-evaluating its strategies for the upcoming season as Hauger's exit leaves an opening in the lineup.

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Racer

Key Details

•Dennis Hauger departs Dale Coyne Racing for next season
•Plans included pairing Hauger with Nikita Johnson
•Coyne cites communication breakdown as a factor
•Team's strategy will change without Hauger
•Contracts were not finalized before Hauger's exit

Latest Updates

1:48 PMRacer — Coyne blames communication breakdown for Hauger's departure: 'I think he got spooked'

What they're saying

"
Dale Coyne wasn’t expecting to go IndyCar racing next season without his Rookie of the Year Dennis Hauger.Plans were being made to elevate the Norwegian to Coyne’s lead car and pair him with new Indy NXT champion Nikita Johnson, but without their signatures on contracts, the Illinois-based team owner believes...
— Racerby Marshall Pruett

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