Juncos Hollinger Racing carries Gateway momentum to Road America
Juncos Hollinger Racing heads to Wisconsin this week for the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America, looking to build on its strongest result of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season following a breakthrough performance at Gateway.
Rinus VeeKay delivered a season-best fourth-place finish at World Wide Technology Raceway two weeks ago, charging from 13th on the grid to the front of the field in one of the most dramatic races of the year. This result marked the team's strongest finish of the campaign so far and continued a positive run of form following JHR's best-ever Indianapolis 500 result just two weeks earlier.
Road America presents a very different challenge. After the intensity of short-oval racing under the lights of St. Louis, the championship returns to one of the most historic and demanding road courses in North American motorsport. Set amongst the rolling hills of Wisconsin's Kettle Moraine region, the 4.048-mile circuit has remained virtually unchanged since opening in 1955 and remains one of the most respected venues on the calendar.
Known as America's National Park of Speed, Road America rewards precision, commitment and execution. Long straights, heavy braking zones and significant elevation changes create passing opportunities throughout the lap, while fuel strategy and tire management often play a decisive role in the outcome of the race. This year, teams must also adapt to recent adjustments to IndyCar's hybrid package, adding another variable at one of the fastest and most demanding circuits on the calendar.
The event also marks the beginning of an important phase of the season. With the championship now beyond its halfway point, every opportunity to score points becomes increasingly crucial as teams continue to build momentum through the next stretch of races.
On track, there are reasons for optimism for Juncos Hollinger Racing. Road America is a venue where Rinus VeeKay in particular has enjoyed considerable success throughout his career. Before reaching the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, VeeKay claimed pole position and a dominant Indy Lights victory for Juncos Racing at the Wisconsin circuit in 2019. More recently, he charged from 22nd to 10th in last year's IndyCar race, underlining his ability to race through the field at one of the championship's most demanding venues.
Against the backdrop of one of North America's most iconic road courses, the No. 76 Chevrolet will carry a special artistic livery at Road America. The full-car design will be unveiled ahead of the opening track action, bringing together motorsport and creativity in a unique collaboration that will make the No. 76 one of the most distinctive cars in the field this weekend.
The INDYCAR paddock arrives in Wisconsin under sad circumstances following the passing of Dennis Reinbold. Dennis's contribution to the sport spanned decades, and his impact on the Indianapolis racing community will be remembered throughout the weekend.
While the second half of the season focuses minds and ambitions, moments like this are a reminder that motorsport is ultimately built on people.
Team Perspective
Rinus VeeKay, No. 76 JHR- Chevrolet:
“Road America is one of the best tracks we go to all year. It’s fast, it’s flowing, and it really rewards confidence as a driver. There are a lot of high-speed corners where you have to commit, and that always makes it a fun challenge.
“I think we’ve shown some encouraging pace recently, and the team continues to make progress every weekend. Road America is a place where execution is important because the field is always incredibly competitive and strategy can play a big role. We’re focused on putting together a clean weekend, maximizing every session, and giving ourselves the best opportunity to fight for a strong result with the No. 76 Chevrolet.”
Sting Ray Robb, No. 77 JHR-Goodheart Chevrolet:
“Road America is a track that every driver looks forward to. It has such a great history in INDYCAR, and the combination of long straights, fast corners, and heavy braking zones makes it a really rewarding place to race. It’s a circuit that challenges both the driver and the team, and you have to execute well in every area to be competitive.
“I think we’ve continued to build momentum as a group throughout the season, and that gives us confidence heading into the weekend. The field is always incredibly close, so maximizing practice, qualifying well, and making the most of every opportunity during the race will be important. I’m excited to get back on track with the No. 77 Chevrolet and see what we can accomplish at my favorite road course on the schedule.”
Dave O’Neill, Team Principal, Juncos Hollinger Racing:
"Before anything else, I want to pay tribute to Dennis Reinbold. He was a hugely respected figure in the paddock and someone who dedicated so much of his life to INDYCAR. We had the privilege of working alongside him on a number of occasions over the years, most recently at this year's Indianapolis 500, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone at Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.
"From a sporting perspective, Gateway was a really encouraging weekend for us. Fourth place was a great result for the team and a reward for a lot of hard work that has gone in throughout the season. We've seen steady progress in several areas and it's important that we continue building on that momentum.
“Road America is one of the best circuits on the calendar and presents a completely different test to Gateway. It's a track that rewards execution, strategy and consistency, and with the hybrid changes adding another variable for everyone to manage, it will be interesting to see how the weekend develops. We're looking forward to getting back on track after the break."