IndyCar driver Rinus ‘VeeKay’ van Kalmthout has once again impressed with his remarkable overtaking races. He recovered well during the two races at the Iowa Speedway after a challenging qualification where he fell outside the top-20. The Dutchman, driving for Dale Coyne Racing, finished the races in sixteenth and twelfth place respectively.
The race weekend at the short oval in Newton (Iowa) was plagued by severe weather. Friday’s training sessions were disrupted by a tornado and heavy rainfall, limiting Van Kalmthout’s driving time before the qualification. The qualification proved difficult: during his fast run, he grazed the wall and had to lift, resulting in a 25th and 26th starting position.
However, Van Kalmthout redeemed himself in the races. In the Saturday race (Synk 275), he steadily moved forward and finished in sixteenth place. In the second race (Farm to Finish 275), his team opted for an alternative strategy with an early pit stop. ‘VeeKay’ was even on track for a seventh place for a short time, but a late neutralization and the tire advantage of competitors resulted in him crossing the finish line in twelfth place.
“The qualification was really against us, but we did a good job in the races,” said the Dutchman. “We scored valuable points and showed that we can also fight from the back of the field.”
The IndyCar series continues next weekend with the Honda Indy Toronto, the only race outside the United States. It starts on Sunday evening at 16:25 UTC.
