Rinus ‘Veekay’ van Kalmthout may not be the top contender for victory in the upcoming Indy 500, but could he pull off a surprise? We spoke with the Dutch driver about his prospects, expectations, and the relaxed approach he and his team, Dale Coyne Racing, are taking towards one of the world’s most prestigious races. “I’m relaxed, we have nothing to lose. Only to win.”
In recent years, Van Kalmthout, while serving under Ed Carpenter Racing, was a regular name among the potential winners of the Indy 500. Unfortunately, it never came to fruition, but the Dutchman never started lower than seventh. This year is a different story: the 24-year-old driver from Hoofddorp will start from the 31st position. Originally, he was 33rd, but due to a penalty for the Penske team, Josef Newgarden and Will Power will have to start from the back.
‘I’m realistic’
The fact that Van Kalmthout has qualified at all is already an impressive achievement. His new team – he is in his first season with Dale Coyne Racing – is smaller than other teams and was forced to start preparations for the Indy 500 later than others. Securing a starting position was therefore an achievement in itself. “That was quite stressful,” he reflects.”The Dutch driver pushed his car to the limit during the qualifying round, and it proved to be just enough. He doesn’t regret his starting position. “I’m realistic,” he says from the United States, looking ahead to the race. “The team did their best and so did I. We lack straight-line speed, it is what it is. The setup was good, I did my utmost as a driver. We’re at the start, quite relaxed. Because I believe we have the speed in the race to make up quite a bit of ground.”
Veekay is not short on experience, thanks to a handful of participations he is seasoned and ready for the 109th edition of the legendary American oval race. “My experience can come in handy,” he admits. “I know how to drive this race, how to pace it. And a starting position doesn’t say everything, especially not in this race. A lot always happens during the Indy 500, you never know how it’s going to go and there are always surprises.”
Could ‘Veekay’ Pull Off a Stunt in Indy 500?
Perhaps ‘Veekay’ could be one of those surprises. Could he pull off a stunt? Maybe even a victory? Nothing is ruled out in motorsport, especially not in the Indy 500, but the Dutchman remains realistic. “We don’t have the equipment for a win, that’s going to be very difficult. But we can definitely gain places, I can see that happening. Top-15 would already be very good. The most important thing is that we get the maximum out of it, whatever that yields. But that’s why the team and I can also approach it relaxed. We have nothing to lose, a lot to gain.”
And so, according to the driver, he feels perhaps more relaxed than ever as he looks forward to the highlight of the IndyCar season. “I was mainly stressed last week around the qualification. I notice that I approach the race very relaxed. We’re doing well in the championship top-10, so I’m very satisfied with the steps we’re taking with Dale Coyne Racing. That helps too. On Sunday we’ll make the best of it: it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
And the favorites for the win? “I’m thinking of guys like Josef Newgarden, Alex Palou, Pato O’Ward, and Scott Dixon.”
