Juncos Hollinger Racing Ready for 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500
Juncos Hollinger Racing heads into the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Presented by Gainbridge having delivered the team’s strongest Indy 500 qualifying performance in its history, with Rinus VeeKay advancing to the Fast 12 for the first time and both entries now focused on converting that pace into race day results.
The Indianapolis 500 represents the centerpiece of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season and the culmination of weeks of preparation before and throughout the Month of May, with teams systematically balancing exploratory setup work, outright qualifying performance and now the demands of race trim and traffic across 500 miles.
JHR’s month began positively during the opening days of practice, as both VeeKay and Sting Ray Robb worked through extensive run plans focused on qualifying simulations, balance checks and pack running. As conditions evolved through the week, the team steadily refined both the qualifying and race setups across the No. 76 and No. 77 Chevrolet entries.
Fast Friday brought the first true indication of outright qualifying pace, with increased boost levels pushing speeds beyond 232mph. VeeKay ended the session ninth overall at 232.417mph, while Robb and the No. 77 crew continued working through setup changes aimed at improving the car’s balance in qualifying trim.
Rain disruptions across qualifying weekend condensed the schedule significantly, leaving teams with limited opportunities to finalise their package before runs began on Sunday. VeeKay delivered a four-lap average of 229.585mph to advance into the Fast 12 for the first time in team history, ultimately securing 11th on the grid for the 110th Indianapolis 500. Robb will start 31st after battling balance limitations through qualifying trim, but the team remains encouraged by the race pace shown by the No. 77 throughout practice running in traffic.
The 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval remains one of the most demanding circuits in world motorsport, with changing track conditions, turbulent air and strategy constantly shaping the complexion of the race across 200 laps.
For VeeKay, the Indianapolis 500 marks another opportunity to build on a strong Month of May that has included competitive pace in both qualifying and race conditions. Robb enters race week focused on converting the progress made throughout practice into momentum across the 500-mile contest.
Wedbush continues as primary partner on the No. 76 Chevrolet for the Indianapolis 500, expanding its presence at the largest event on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar as the partnership continues through the Month of May at Indianapolis.
Orion180 will also maintain a significant on-car presence for what is a cornerstone event in the team partnership and their activation programme.
How Race Week Unfolds
Practice action continues throughout race week ahead of Sunday’s main event.
Attention now shifts fully toward race preparation, with teams focusing on long-run balance, pit stop execution and traffic management.
Team Perspective
Rinus VeeKay, No. 76 JHR-DRR-Wedbush Chevrolet:
“By the time you get to Carb Day, the focus shifts fully to race day. We’ve had a good couple of weeks building speed, learning what the car needs in traffic, and getting ourselves into a position to fight on Sunday.
“The Indy 500 is never straightforward. It’s 500 miles of strategy, patience, and taking opportunities when they come. I’m really looking forward to it. This race means so much to everyone, and I’m excited to see what this No. 76 crew can do.”
Sting Ray Robb, No. 77 JHR-Goodheart Chevrolet:
“Carb Day is kind of the final reset before the biggest race of the year. We’ve spent a lot of time working through the balance of the car, understanding what we need in traffic, and making sure we’re as prepared as possible for Sunday.
“The Indy 500 is such a unique race because it rewards patience just as much as speed. You have to stay disciplined, put yourself in the right spots, and be ready when the race comes to you. I’m really excited for Sunday and grateful for the opportunity to take on 500 miles with this No. 77 crew.”
Dave O’Neill, Team Principal, Juncos Hollinger Racing:
“This has already been a very encouraging Month of May for the team. To get a car into the Fast 12 for the first time is a significant milestone for everyone involved and reflects the work that has gone into improving the overall package.
“The challenge at Indianapolis is that the target keeps moving. Conditions change quickly, the car behaves differently in qualifying compared to traffic, and you’re constantly trying to stay ahead of that.
“We’ve shown encouraging speed across the month and now the focus is making sure we maximise the opportunity in front of us on race day.
“This weekend is also a huge occasion for our partners. We’ve got a major hospitality programme in place, with so many of them activating throughout the event, and hopefully we can give them a 500 to remember.”