After weeks of speculation, silence, and even the disappearance of his name from the team website, Sting Ray Robb is officially back.
Juncos Hollinger Racing has confirmed that the 23-year-old American will remain in the No. 77 Chevrolet for the 2026 IndyCar Series, honoring the second year of his contract and completing a lineup that team owners Brad Hollinger and Ricardo Juncos believe can finally push the team up the grid.
This announcement comes after JHR named Rinus VeeKay its new lead driver in October — a move that left fans wondering whether Robb would survive the reshuffle. Now, the answer is clear: he’s staying, and he’s ready for the biggest season of his career.
Robb: “This season is massive for me — continuity is everything”
For the first time in his IndyCar journey, Robb enters a season with the same team he finished the last one with, and he knows exactly what that stability means.
“This season is massive for me and I’m embracing it fully,” Robb said.
“It’s my first opportunity to run with the same team for a second season… What’s key for me is the continuity.”
He praised team principal Dave O’Neill, whose leadership he believes has elevated the entire operation.
“Having Dave’s experience at the helm has been huge… his racing pedigree shapes our processes and the overall professionalism.”
Robb also credited driver coach Adam Carroll and highlighted the enormous value of having a six-season veteran like VeeKay as his teammate.
“We’re aligned, we’re hungry, and we’re ready to fight towards the front together.”
JHR Says Robb + VeeKay Is the Foundation of Its 2026 Push
With Robb confirmed, the 2026 IndyCar grid is nearly complete — only Coyne’s second seat and PREMA’s plans remain unresolved.
JHR released a statement calling Robb:
- “A key element in strengthening the organization’s competitive platform,” and
- “The perfect addition” alongside VeeKay, with the duo built on experience, development, and competitive ambition.
O’Neill echoed that confidence, saying Robb is essential to the team’s long-term climb.
“Sting Ray is a key pillar in the structure we’re building for 2026… we know there’s far more potential to unlock.”
A Rocky Road to Stability
Robb’s path to JHR has been winding:
- 2023: IndyCar debut with Dale Coyne Racing
- 2024: Moves to AJ Foyt Racing, scores 20th in the championship and earns his first career top-10
- 2025: Joins JHR and adds another top-10 with a ninth at Long Beach
But when his profile briefly vanished from JHR’s roster online, rumors of his departure exploded. Now, those rumors can be buried for good.
VeeKay, meanwhile, arrives after a breakout 2025 season at Dale Coyne Racing, where he finished 14th before being hired to replace Conor Daly.
JHR’s Endless Turnover — and the Attempt to Finally Build a Foundation
Since expanding to two cars in 2023, Juncos Hollinger has experienced constant upheaval:
Lead-car drivers in four straight seasons:
- 2023: Callum Ilott
- 2024: Romain Grosjean
- 2025: Conor Daly
- 2026: Rinus VeeKay
The second car has been only slightly more stable:
- Agustín Canapino ran most of 2023–24 before departing
- Daly finished 2024
- Robb took over in 2025 and now continues in 2026
Through all this, JHR’s strongest season remains 2023 with Ilott finishing 16th in the points. The team believes that finally pairing Robb’s continuity with VeeKay’s speed and experience is the combination capable of changing its trajectory.
The Verdict: JHR’s Most Stable Lineup Yet — and a Real Chance to Climb
After years of seat shuffling, mid-season exits, and annual resets, Juncos Hollinger Racing enters 2026 with something it hasn’t had in a long time:
A plan. A direction. And a driver pairing that makes sense.
Sting Ray Robb stays.
Rinus VeeKay leads.
Dave O’Neill directs the rebuild.
And for the first time in four seasons, JHR looks less like a revolving door — and more like a team preparing to fight its way out of the bottom half of the IndyCar grid.
