An orange touch for VeeKay at the Indianapolis 500
Rinus ‘VeeKay’ van Kalmthout will use a custom-made one-off livery in the upcoming edition of the Indianapolis 500. The orange elements are a direct reference to VeeKay’s Dutch roots.
Since the start of the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series, VeeKay has been defending the Dale Coyne Racing colours, with the 24-year-old Dutchman racing a predominantly blue and white car in the first three rounds. This time, however, his car’s livery has been completely redesigned for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. Lead sponsor askROI, an AI platform developed by RiskOn International in partnership with MeetKai that focuses on improving business processes through custom AI solutions, initiated the makeover.
Dave Marek, was previously responsible for the eye-catching livery that adorned Meyer Shank Racing’s Acura LMDh cars in the 24 Hours of Daytona, designed VeeKay’s new technology-inspired livery for the Indianapolis 500. Combining the innovative spirit of askROI with the historic heritage of auto racing at Indianapolis, the creative director of Honda America (Acura) integrated the playful askROI robot into a bright gradient transition. The orange tones in the design hand a Dutch touch to VeeKay’s car at Indianapolis, as both mirrors of the #18 askROI Dale Coyne Racing Honda as well as its front-wing endplates are painted in the Dutch national colour.
If he qualifies, the fourth weekend of May will offer VeeKay a sixth career opportunity to have his likeness immortalised on the Borg Warner Trophy. “It is a great privilege to drive in the askROI colours,” VeeKay said from Indianapolis, where a two-day open test in preparation for the 500-mile race takes place today (Wednesday) and tomorrow. “It is also an honour that my Dutch roots have been taken into account, with shades of orange being applied to the car. Illustrator Dave Marek and his creative team have come up with something really unique.”
Team owner Dale Coyne and sponsor Todd Ault, owner of askROI, are also delighted with the updated livery. “Dave Marek has exceeded all expectations with this design,” said team principal Coyne. “The mini askROI robots provide electrifying energy, while the distinctive Dutch orange refers to our driver Rinus VeeKay. We can’t wait for the fans to enjoy this livery as it storms down the straights of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”
“Our partnership with Dale Coyne Racing, and Rinus VeeKay in particular, is all about showing the future,” said Ault. “This creative touch is a hallmark of our project, combining AI technology and motorsport. I already loved the Daytona design of the Acura LMDh, and with this stunning livery, Dave Marek has once again delivered craftsmanship. All I can say is that I encourage everyone to download the askROI app and experience the next generation of artificial intelligence for themselves.”
The 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday 25 May 2025. Qualifying will take place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway the weekend before, on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May.
