Dale Coyne Racing
DCR comes into 2017 on the heels of one of their most successful seasons in 2016. Conor Daly was at the front of the field several times in 2016, including a podium at Detroit. The 19 car did not have the same level of success, but R.C. Enerson gave the car several good rides in his short time in the car.
2017
#18 - Sebastien Bourdais - 14th in Points in 2016, 1 Win (Detroit), 2004-2007 Champ Car Champion - Unsponsored
#19 - Ed Jones (R) - 2016 Indy Lights Champion - Boy Scouts of America
DCR may be a force this season, as Bourdais returns to the team, and the team has vastly improved their engineering group. Craig Hampson, who was the man behind much of Bourdais' success in Champ Car, is back with him this year, and Michael Cannon's veteran expertise can be expected to help Jones on his maiden season in IndyCar. Many have argued, including myself, that Jones did not deserve the MRTI scholarship that he got, in special thanks to his teammate, at the finale at Laguna Seca last year. However, I very much hope he proves his worth this year, but to do that he needs to lead at some point this year, much as Conor did last year. Both drivers were quick at the Phoenix open test, so DCR could be the little team that could this year. Expect to see Seabass be competitive on the twistys, but unless the engineering change does anything, he may struggle, along with Jones, on the ovals.
Indy
It would be expected that DCR will run four cars at Indy this year once again, especially now with the net loss of at least one car, if not two, from the demise of KV. Pippa Mann should be a favorite to return with the team for the 500, as long as she has sponsorship support. The Jonathan Byrd entry is not likely to return, as the Byrds were very close to Bryan Clauson. It has been rumored that Stefan Wilson has money for the race through the Indiana Donor Network again, and he may be the person that ends up in the fourth car.
Predictions
Bourdais - 14th in Points, One Win on Strategy
Jones - 20th in Points, Rookie of the Year
Images From IndyCar.com, Motorsport.com, TheCheckeredFlag.co.uk
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