Almost two weeks after securing his position as Dale Coyne Racing’s first signing for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, INDYNXT Champion Dennis Hauger made his debut in Mid-Ohio to test IndyCar machinery on October 1. The 22-year-old Norwegian, fresh off his dominant 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone championship-winning campaign with Andretti Global, was among five drivers participating in the rookie-focused test.
He was accompanied by the following drivers:
- Caio Collet (A.J. Foyt Enterprises)
- Niels Koolen (Chip Ganassi Racing)
- Kakunoshin Ohta (Meyer Shank Racing)
- Felipe Nasr (Team Penske)
Post-session, Hauger shared that his first time in the updated machinery was “pretty cool.”
“It’s an amazing experience being in an INDYCAR SERIES car for the first time. Really cool to be with Dale Coyne and get started with the work. Overall, a lot of positives to take and a lot of potential.”
From the Formula series to INDYCAR
After winning the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2021 and spending three seasons in Formula 2, where he also served as a Red Bull Junior Team driver and Formula 1 reserve, Hauger decided to step away from the Formula One career ladder in 2025 to redirect his profession in the United States.
During his rookie season, Hauger achieved six wins, seven pole positions, and 13 top-10 finishes in 14 races, ultimately securing the INDY NXT title with a race to spare. Notably, one of his victories occurred at Mid-Ohio in July, where he led from start to finish after earning the pole position. Hauger now returns to test with an INDYCAR team for the first time.
Stepping up to IndyCar machinery
The transition from the 450-horsepower INDY NXT cars to the hybrid-powered, approximately 700-horsepower INDYCAR machines is a substantial leap, which he recognized as the anticipated increase in speed, downforce, and complexity, but stayed optimistic about the challenge.
“Downforce and how much speed you can carry into the corner,” the driver explained when asked about the biggest differences. “More power is always fun with the hybrid system… a few other things you have to look out for in the car. Overall, it’s pretty nice.”
INDYCAR’s lack of power steering and its heavier chassis, approximately 1,700 pounds on road courses, adds a physical component that few other single-seaters demand. However, Hauger seemed unfazed, emphasizing the significance of his preparation during this past season in INDY NXT.
“I think it was really important for me to be in INDY NXT this past year,” he added.
“Just learning the tracks, the style of the teams over here, the environments, the people… Mainly the tracks – the ovals – quite a lot of new things I learned that can translate into the INDYCAR SERIES.”
All eyes on 2026
The INDYNXT champion is expected to have several more test days before the season begins in March 2026. While his teammate at Dale Coyne Racing has yet to be announced, he is concentrating on his own development as he prepares for what is expected to be a highly anticipated rookie season.
“We showed really good pace, still just exploring, learning, and figuring a few things out every session. Looking forward to the next one and building from that. It’s going to be fun. Hopefully, we can make some good steps as a team to get up there and fight for some trophies. We’ll take it day by day.”
For Hauger, 2026 presents a fresh start and a clear opportunity. Based on his test pace and performances in 2025, he has the potential to be one of the standout rookies to watch when the green flag hits next spring.
