Michael Cannon and Mike Colliver Rejoin Coyne in Major Engineering Shift

Dale Coyne Racing is undergoing notable changes for the remainder of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, bringing back trusted engineers Michael Cannon and Mike Colliver in key roles. The announcement came on May 28, as the team searched for a performance boost following a tough start to the season.

Michael Cannon, who previously spent six years with the organization from 2014 to 2019, returns to engineer Rinus VeeKay’s No. 18 askROI Honda. Mike Colliver re-joins the team to oversee rookie Jacob Abel’s No. 51 Honda after recently consulting for Dale Coyne Racing.

Team owner Dale Coyne expressed gratitude to Ed Nathman and John Dick, crediting them for stepping up early in the season when the driver lineup came together late in the offseason. Coyne said he is pleased to welcome Cannon and Colliver back, aiming to stabilize the engineering direction and unlock better results as the calendar moves forward.

Michael Cannon brings a wealth of series experience, working with teams like Chip Ganassi Racing and AJ Foyt Racing in recent years. He has a reputation for creating quick improvements, notably at oval tracks.

This experience should help VeeKay, who started 31st and finished 27th at the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 25. Jacob Abel, meanwhile, did not qualify for that race but looks to rebound under Colliver’s guidance.

Cannon shared his excitement about reuniting with Dale Coyne Racing, describing his respect for Coyne’s approach and his eagerness to support VeeKay during the intensive summer schedule. VeeKay echoed those thoughts, thanking Nathman for a strong showing at Barber Motorsports Park, which remains his best finish this year.

He voiced his confidence in Cannon’s abilities and looks to build on the progress already made.

Mike Colliver’s relationship with the team and driver Jacob Abel is also strong. Colliver recently engineered for Ryan Hunter-Reay at the Indianapolis 500, where Hunter-Reay challenged for victory before a pit stop issue ended his run at the front.

Colliver noted his belief in Abel and is ready to help the rookie achieve new milestones in his first INDYCAR campaign. Abel remarked on their past work together and said he is optimistic about what they can accomplish for the rest of the season.

The revitalized engineering lineup faces its first test at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, set for Sunday, June 1, with the green flag at 12:30 p.m. ET. As Dale Coyne Racing eyes improvement in the standings, the fresh technical leadership aims to steer the team toward better finishes as the 2025 INDYCAR SERIES season continues.

Brian Thompson

Brian Thompson focuses on IndyCar Series news, from qualifying speeds at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to street-course race strategy. He delivers concise feature stories and technical breakdowns on chassis setups, tire choices, and championship standings for open-wheel enthusiasts.