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IndyCar Teams Finalize Driver Lineups for 2027

Three teams have four driver seats remaining as the 2027 racing schedule release approaches.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Motorsports

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IndyCar teams, including AJ Foyt Racing and Dale Coyne Racing, are finalizing driver rosters for the 2027 season ahead of the official calendar release. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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IndyCar teams are working to fill four vacant driver seats across three organizations ahead of the 2027 season. These staffing decisions are occurring as teams await the official release of the 17-race calendar.

Why it matters

Driver stability is currently in flux due to scheduling adjustments and individual moves between racing series. The finalized calendar will dictate team budgets and long-term recruitment strategies for the upcoming year.

There are currently 4 open driver seats distributed among 3 teams, with the 2027 schedule expected to feature 17 total races. Entry payouts for a potential race in Spain are rumored to be between $150,000 and $200,000 per team.

The players

AJ Foyt Racing

A long-standing IndyCar team currently looking to finalize its driver lineup for the No. 4 car.

Dale Coyne Racing

An IndyCar racing organization that currently has vacancies in both its No. 18 and No. 19 cars.

Juncos Hollinger Racing

An IndyCar team currently managing one open seat in the No. 77 car after the departure of its previous driver.

Yuki Tsunoda

A professional racing driver who recently canceled a planned evaluation test with Meyer Shank Racing to prioritize Formula 1 opportunities.

Bud Denker

A prominent executive in the racing industry who previously stated the 2027 schedule would feature 17 races.

The details

AJ Foyt Racing, Dale Coyne Racing, and Juncos Hollinger Racing are navigating driver vacancies following recent departures and appointment changes. Teams are actively testing candidates at Barber Motorsports Park and adjusting contract negotiations while awaiting the official 2027 series calendar.

Timeline

  1. October 26, 2026: Evaluation tests scheduled at Barber Motorsports Park.

  2. End of October 2026: Potential release of the 2027 IndyCar schedule.

  3. November 2026: AJ Foyt Racing expected to confirm new driver lineup.

  4. May 1, 2027: Possible Saturday night race date at Texas Motor Speedway.

  5. July 17-18, 2027: Rumored date for an IndyCar race in Spain.

Season Trajectory

This roster shuffle is directly tied to the upcoming release of the 2027 IndyCar Series racing schedule which will define the competitive landscape. Securing drivers now is essential for teams to align their operational strategies with the confirmed race calendar.

Fans should monitor the November driver announcements to understand which teams will remain competitive in the 17-race 2027 season. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the field for high-profile events like the rumored race in Spain and the potential Texas Motor Speedway night event.

The takeaway

The off-season remains a critical period for teams to secure talent and finalize budgets before the calendar is locked. Followers of the series should watch for official team confirmations in November to see how the grid takes shape for 2027.

Further reading

For more updates on team developments and series news, follow our Motorsports section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by RACER.

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