Jacob Abel Gears Up for Full-Time IndyCar Challenge with Dale Coyne Racing
In a bold move for Dale Coyne Racing and a significant career leap for Jacob Abel, the 23-year-old is set to make his full-time debut as a driver in the NTT IndyCar Series. Abel, who has spent the past three years honing his skills in the Indy NXT circuit, will take the wheel of the No. 51 car for the entire 2025 season, marking a pivotal moment in his rapidly progressing motorsport journey.
Abel's ascension through the ranks of motorsport has been nothing short of meteoric. Often described as a prodigious talent, he previously competed in the Formula 3 and 4 series, as well as the Indy Pro 2000 from 2019 to 2021. His recent stint in the Indy NXT circuit saw him capture three race victories and secure a podium finish in 10 of the 14 races last season, an impressive feat that bolstered his reputation as a promising racer.
Despite ranking eighth in the points standings as a rookie, Abel showcased tremendous growth, culminating in a runner-up finish last year. His strong performance prompted Dale Coyne Racing to extend an offer for a full-time position, a testament to the potential they see in him. Jacob Abel expressed his appreciation for this opportunity and the trust placed in him by the team. "I've had a great relationship with Dale for the last couple of years, and I'm very thankful for the confidence he has in me," Abel said. "It's going to be a fun but challenging journey, and I can't wait to get started."
Building a Competitive Edge
Dale Coyne Racing will be focusing on consistency this season by having a single driver for the No. 51 car throughout the year. This approach reflects a shift from their strategy in 2024 when multiple drivers were piloted. Dale Coyne, the team's principal, applauded Abel's potential after an evaluation test at the end of the 2023 season. "We have watched Jacob over the years and did an evaluation test with him at the end of the 2023 season, where he showed great promise in these cars. It will be good to run one driver in the No. 51 car for the whole season, so we can work on the consistency needed in the highly competitive NTT IndyCar Series," Coyne shared.
The team's decision to lean on a sole driver underscores Abel's capability and the confidence that Coyne Racing has in him. As such, the anticipated return and introduction of seasoned staff to the squad are expected to form a solid support system around the young driver, steering the team towards a competitive edge in the series.
Strategic Preparation for a New Era
Preparation for the upcoming IndyCar Series will see Abel participating in testing sessions at California’s Thermal Club starting in late January. These sessions are crucial for acclimatizing with the car and strategizing for the season ahead. The icing on the cake of these preparations is Abel's scheduled debut race on March 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida, where fans and analysts alike will focus on his performance.
Meanwhile, anticipation builds around the identity of the driver for Dale Coyne Racing's No. 18 car, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks. This announcement will complete the team's line-up and potentially reveal additional strategic elements.
For now, as Abel heads into the next chapter of his racing career, the spotlight is firmly on the young driver and the promising future that lies ahead. The combination of his ambition, skill, and the support of an experienced team marks him as one to watch on the competitive circuits of the IndyCar Series.