IndyCar: 5 possible landing spots for Rinus VeeKay in 2023
By Asher Fair
Rinus VeeKay 2023 landing spots: No. 2 – Chip Ganassi Racing
Chip Ganassi Racing wasn’t seen as a serious possibility for Rinus VeeKay earlier in the summer, given what had to happen to make it one.
Scott Dixon needed to retire or switch teams, Jimmie Johnson needed to announce he isn’t returning for a third season, or Alex Palou needed to end up in the third Arrow McLaren SP seat which everyone continued to link him to despite the fact that he had stated that he hadn’t been in talks with other teams.
Dixon obviously has no plans to retire, especially considering the redemption he will most assuredly be pursuing in the 107th running of the Indy 500 following the heartbreak he experienced this past May when it looked as though he had a second glass of milk in the bag. The switching teams possibility was an interesting one to consider, though he shot that down.
As for Johnson, nothing is certain, but even if he doesn’t return for another full season, he should still be back for a partial schedule, and it goes without saying there is no way VeeKay is going to settle for a partial schedule.
Then there is Palou, the reigning series champion became a focal point of silly season in June when it was rumored that he could join Arrow McLaren SP. On paper, he had no reason to leave Chip Ganassi Racing, yet he is the man whom many tabbed to replace Felix Rosenqvist for a second time.
Last month, hours after Chip Ganassi Racing “confirmed” they had extended his deal for 2023, Palou stated that that was untrue, and McLaren announced his signing.
Though Chip Ganassi Racing maintained that he is signed through 2023, many see this as a strategic way of prompting an expensive buyout, and Palou has reiterated that he is joining McLaren.
In that case, the #10 Honda appears to be open — potentially for VeeKay.