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A.J. Foyt Shake-Up Leaves Two IndyCar Seats Empty For 2027
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- A.J. Foyt Shake-Up Leaves Two IndyCar Seats Empty For 2027
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
A.J. Foyt Enterprises made a bold move to clear the deck for the 2027 season. The team confirmed that Josh Pierson will take the wheel of the No. 4 Chevrolet, according to Beyond The Flag . This decision follows earlier news that Dennis Hauger will replace Santino Ferrucci in the No. 14 car. Both drivers are set to race for the storied organization next year. The change leaves just two teams with open seats on the grid. Dale Coyne Racing and Juncos Hollinger Racing still need to finalize their lineups. The rest of the field has moved on with their plans. Foyt's decision signals a fresh start after a rocky 2026 campaign. They are not waiting around for the market to slow down.
The new lineup brings in drivers who have spent time in the Indy NXT feeder series. Before this transition, Dennis Hauger completed a single season with Dale Coyne Racing. Josh Pierson competed in Indy NXT from 2023 through 2026. Ferrucci spent four seasons with Foyt, while Collet only lasted one year as a rookie. The team is swapping out experience for new energy. This is a complete overhaul of their driver roster. Chip Ganassi Racing is the only other team to lock in their full lineup so far. They announced Christian Lundgaard will replace Scott Dixon in the No. 9 Honda. The race for the remaining spots is now wide open.
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The Search for Drivers at Dale Coyne and Juncos
Dale Coyne Racing faces a tough task in filling its two seats. They have already lost Dennis Hauger to the Foyt team . Romain Grosjean's future with the team remains uncertain. Reigning Indy NXT champion Nikita Johnson might find a landing spot with the team. Johnson is a top target for many teams looking for a quick win. The 2027 season starts on Sunday, March 7, in St. Petersburg. Fox will provide live coverage for the opening race. Dale Coyne has time to make a deal before the lights go out.
Juncos Hollinger Racing has one clear spot to fill. Rinus VeeKay is expected to return for a second season in the No. 76 Chevrolet. His strong 2026 season makes his return seem like a done deal. But the No. 77 Chevrolet seat is up for grabs. Sting Ray Robb will not be back in that ride. The team has linked the seat to Nikita Johnson, Nolan Siegel, and Callum Ilott. Siegel lost his ride with Arrow McLaren, making him a free agent. Ilott raced for the team from 2021 to 2023 but sat out 2026. The battle for this single seat will be fierce.
Most teams have locked in their drivers, but two are still searching. This leaves a window of opportunity for young talent to step up. The teams that move fast often get the best drivers. Foyt's quick decision shows they want to be ready for day one. The other two teams must act fast to avoid a weak lineup. The 2027 NTT IndyCar Series season is set to begin in March. Fans will see a mix of veterans and new faces on the track. The empty seats at Dale Coyne and Juncos Hollinger are the last big story to resolve. Once those two rides are filled, the grid will be set for the new year.
