The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix could have yielded many points for IndyCar driver Rinus ‘VeeKay’ van Kalmthout, if not for engine trouble that spoiled his chances. The Dutchman impressively qualified seventh and eventually started from P6. Van Kalmthout was on track for another points haul for Dale Coyne Racing, but a faulty spark plug left him empty-handed.
Van Kalmthout had little time to dwell on his disappointing result in the iconic Indianapolis 500. Then, he drove a smart strategy from P31 to P6, until his braking system failed when entering the pit lane. Last weekend, he had the chance for redemption during the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix. Despite his less competitive car, he managed to compete with the top again: Van Kalmthout qualified for the so-called Fast Twelve. Due to others’ grid penalties, he was eventually allowed to start from P6.
‘Sheer Bad Luck’
However, his race was short-lived. After seven laps, his engine gave up; a noticeably slow Rinus ‘VeeKay’ van Kalmthout was called to the pit lane, where it turned out that a broken spark plug was causing him trouble. End of the line for the Hoofddorp native. “A bummer,” he responded tersely. “After a strong qualification, I was allowed to start sixth, and the speed was also good during the race. The car was fine, I got through the first laps effortlessly. Then I suddenly felt that I was losing power and basically just not moving forward anymore. One after the other overtook me, so I was called in.”
“Subsequently, Honda and Dale Coyne Racing jointly investigated what the problem was, and they concluded that it was a broken spark plug,” he continued. “Well, if that doesn’t work, you simply don’t get far in a mechanical sport. Of course, it’s a bummer, but unfortunately, this is part of it. Sheer bad luck. After four busy weeks, we now have a weekend off before we travel to Gateway – a beautiful short oval that I have good memories of,” Rinus ‘VeeKay’ van Kalmthout concluded positively. “First rest a bit, and then go full throttle again.”
