Jacob Abel Poised for IndyCar Success with Dale Coyne Racing
In an exciting development for motorsports enthusiasts and fans of young racing talents, Jacob Abel is gearing up to make a significant leap in his career by becoming a full-time driver for Dale Coyne Racing. Scheduled to begin his journey in the fiercely competitive NTT IndyCar Series in 2025, Abel is set to drive the No. 51 car, marking a departure from Dale Coyne Racing's previous strategy of employing multiple drivers for this vehicle.
The Rising Star: Jacob Abel
At just 23 years old, Jacob Abel has already made a name for himself in the lower tiers of open-wheel racing. His journey through the Indy NXT circuit over the past three years has been nothing short of impressive. Last season, Abel clinched three race victories and achieved a podium finish in ten out of fourteen races, demonstrating his ability to consistently compete at the highest level. His performance highlights his rapid development and readiness to tackle the challenges of the IndyCar Series.
Prior to his successful stint in the Indy NXT series, Abel honed his skills in various racing categories, having competed in Formula 3 and 4, as well as the Indy Pro 2000 series from 2019 to 2021. This diverse experience has undoubtedly contributed to his versatile driving style and adaptability in different racing environments.
Partnership with Dale Coyne Racing
The collaboration between Abel and Dale Coyne Racing promises to be mutually beneficial. Abel expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, "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. The team has some very experienced personnel joining and returning to the program, and I have full confidence they will deliver a great race car and help me learn the ropes. It's going to be a fun but challenging journey, and I can't wait to get started."
Dale Coyne, a seasoned veteran in the world of motorsports, has closely observed Abel's progression over the years. Commenting on the decision to bring Abel aboard, Coyne remarked, "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."
Preparations and Debut
As part of his preparations for the upcoming season, Abel will commence testing at California’s Thermal Club in late January. This rigorous testing regime is designed to acclimate him to the rigors of the IndyCar environment and refine the skills necessary for success. Notably, his IndyCar debut is earmarked for March 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida, a venue that holds a revered place in the hearts of motorsports fans worldwide.
The move to a single-driver setup for the No. 51 car is a strategic decision by Dale Coyne Racing, aimed at fostering consistency and synergy within the team. It also signals their faith in Abel's potential to deliver exceptional results throughout the season. Meanwhile, fans eagerly await the announcement of the full-time driver for the No. 18 car, expected in the coming weeks, in what promises to be an intense and competitive season for the racing team.
A New Chapter
Undoubtedly, Abel's induction into the IndyCar Series with Dale Coyne Racing marks a new chapter in his burgeoning career. With a solid foundation built over years of competing in various racing tiers and a dedicated team backing him, Abel is well-equipped to make his mark on the storied circuits of the IndyCar Series. As the calendar ticks down to his debut, the anticipation builds for what could become a defining moment in his career and an exhilarating season for fans.