By Austin Lawton, Staff Writer
In a surprise twist to the silly season leading into the 2027 IndyCar campaign, A.J. Foyt Racing has signed 23-year old Dennis Hauger to take the helm of its famed No.14 Chevrolet.
Hauger, the 2026 IndyCar Rookie of the Year, joins the team on a multi-year contract beginning in 2027, after spending his rookie season at Dale Coyne Racing. The Dane replaces the exiting Santino Ferrucci, a ride the American has occupied since 2023.
For Hauger, however, the opportunity to join a organization in transition is an opportunity to be excited about.
“I’m really excited about it,” said Hauger. “Larry [Foyt] and I have had some very good conversations about the team and where they want to go. I’ve learned a lot in my first two years racing in America, but I still feel like there is a lot more for me to learn and accomplish in IndyCar.
“This team has so much history in this sport, but what intrigues me even more was hearing about the future and what they’re building now. I want to work hard with everyone there and see how far we can take it.”
Hauger brings a wealth of experience to A.J. Foyt Racing, having won the 2021 FIA Formula 3 championship as a Red Bull junior driver. Hauger made the transition to racing in America in 2025 by spending a year in Indy NXT with Andretti Global. Hauger notched six wins and the championship in his lone season in the series.
The experience and adaptability is something that Team President Larry Foyt took notice of when talks began with Hauger.
“Dennis has accomplished a lot for someone who is only 23,” said Foyt. “Every time he’s moved into something new, he’s adapted quickly and he’s won. Coming over here and winning in INDY NXT as a rookie certainly got everyone’s attention, and then we watched how he progressed through his rookie season in IndyCar.”
Foyt is also looking at Hauger as the foundation of the team leading into the future and with sponsors like Hendricks Holding Company and Homes For Our Troops backing the No.14, the foundation for Foyt’s plan is now in motion.
“We’ve spent a lot of time talking about where we want this team to go,” Foyt said. “We’re investing in our people, our technical side and our commercial program because we want to continue moving forward. Dennis is a big part of that plan.”
Hauger will quickly make his first public appearance for A.J. Foyt Racing on October 2, according to a team press release. Hauger will join the team at the GM Defense Valor & Velocity Gala at the GM Design Dome in Warren, Michigan, where the Homes For Our Troops Indy car will be on display. The evening supports the Medal of Honor Foundation and will bring together senior GM leadership, military leaders and members of the U.S. defense community.
In the coming weeks, A.J. Foyt Racing will make announcements regarding who will pair Hauger for the 2027 season in the coming weeks. All signs have pointed to 20-year-old Josh Pierson taking the helm of the No.4 Chevrolet, but due to new licensing standards for drivers coming through Indy NXT, Pierson’s IndyCar future will be put on hold until an evaluation test can be held.