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9h ago

Jameis Winston Takes INDYCAR Grid Mic, Delivers On-Air Pep Talk to Rookie Dennis Hauger at St. Pete

The on-air moment underscored Winston's reputation for animated, motivational speeches.

Jameis Winston Gave a Pep Talk to ‘Norwegian Nightmare’ Dennis Hauger at St. Pete
Jan 4, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) waves to fans after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Overview

  • During INDYCAR on FOX's pre-race coverage in St. Petersburg, Winston addressed first-time series driver Dennis Hauger with an impromptu pep talk.
  • Winston dubbed Hauger the "Norwegian Nightmare" and urged him to "lock in" and focus on execution, telling the 22-year-old that "age ain't nothing but a number."
  • He briefly took over the grid-walk microphone from FOX's Jack Harvey and gathered Hauger's crew into a huddle to emphasize teamwork and precision.
  • Hauger, last season's Indy NXT champion, responded appreciatively, saying, "That's good words, thanks man. Now we got to go and do it."
  • Event organizers named Winston the race's Honorary Starter, with coverage also noting his history of viral hype speeches and media speculation framed as opinion.