Jacob Abel Joins Dale Coyne Racing as Full-Time IndyCar Driver
Jacob Abel, an emerging talent on the racing circuit, is gearing up for an exciting chapter in his career. Dale Coyne Racing has announced Abel as their full-time driver for the 2025 season. In his early 20s, the 23-year-old racer is set to make his mark in the prestigious NTT IndyCar Series.
A Journey through Motorsports
Abel's journey in motorsports has been nothing short of impressive. Over the past three years, he honed his skills on the Indy NXT circuit, where he consistently proved his mettle. The last season was particularly remarkable as Abel notched up three wins and climbed the podium in 10 out of 14 races. His tenacity and skill saw him finish as the runner-up in the points standings, a leap from eighth place during his rookie year.
Before his time in Indy NXT, Abel showcased his talent in Formula 3, Formula 4, and the Indy Pro 2000 series from 2019 to 2021. This solid foundation has prepared him well for the rigors of the IndyCar stage.
Seizing the Opportunity
The road to securing a spot with Dale Coyne Racing started with an evaluation test at Sebring in the fall of 2023. Abel's performance during this test turned heads, and team owner Dale Coyne took notice. Coyne expressed his excitement about Abel by saying, "We've 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."
For Abel, the transition to a full-time IndyCar role is a thrilling opportunity. Reflecting on this next step, he shared, "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."
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
Abel's inaugural official IndyCar test will kick off at California's Thermal Club in late January, setting the stage for his first race in March 2025. He'll take the wheel of the No. 51 car at the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. Dale Coyne Racing, having previously fielded multiple drivers for their No. 51 car in 2024, is now committed to a singular focus and continuity with Abel for the entire season.
The excitement doesn't stop there. Fans and enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting further announcements regarding Dale Coyne Racing's No. 18 car. Until then, Jacob Abel’s journey promises to be an enthralling one, as he aims to carve a lasting legacy in the IndyCar world.