In a significant development for the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series season, Jacob Abel is set to don the racing gloves as a full-time driver for Dale Coyne Racing. At just 23 years old, Abel's ascension marks a promising chapter in his burgeoning career.
Rising Star in Motorsports
Abel's motorsports journey traces back to disciplined stints in Formula 3, Formula 4, and the Indy Pro 2000 series between 2019 and 2021. These formative years laid the groundwork for his recent feats on the competitive Indy NXT circuit, where Abel's performance has been nothing short of commendable over the past three years.
Last season was particularly remarkable for Abel, as he clinched three race victories and graced the podium in an impressive 10 out of 14 races. His commanding presence on the track didn't go unnoticed, despite ranking eighth in the points standings during his rookie year. Abel’s thirst for success drove him further to accomplish a runner-up position last year, solidifying his potential as a formidable contender.
Gearing Up for the Big League
Abel will soon join Dale Coyne Racing, a team that has reevaluated its strategy for the forthcoming season. Historically, Coyne's No. 51 car cycled through multiple drivers in 2024, but the new season ushers in a shift to a sole driver, underpinning a push for consistency. Dale Coyne himself underscored this strategic pivot, saying, "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."
The upcoming season promises a unique challenge for Abel, whose journey will commence at California’s Thermal Club in late January for initial testing, followed by his much-anticipated IndyCar debut scheduled for March 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Abel will be piloting the distinguished No. 51 for Dale Coyne Racing among seasoned contenders.
A Partnership Built on Trust
The decision to bring Abel into the fold reflects the mutual respect and trust shared between the young driver and the team. Abel expressed gratitude for this opportunity, offering insight into the roots of this partnership: "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." This synergy promises not just technical expertise but a harmonious working relationship as Abel embarks on his IndyCar career.
Poised for Success
As Abel prepares to transition from the Indy NXT circuits to the electrifying world of the NTT IndyCar Series, the motorsports community eagerly anticipates observing this young driver’s prowess on a larger stage. His past accolades and the depth of preparation underscore a readiness to tackle the high-octane demands of his impending debut.
With an involvement in an evaluation test at Sebring last fall, Abel demonstrated the requisite acumen and adaptability needed for such a competitive arena. The stage is now set for Abel, as both driver and team eye a season filled with the promise of accomplishment and the thrill of competition. In the coming weeks, attention will also pivot to the announcement of the full-time driver for Dale Coyne Racing's No. 18 car, adding another layer of intrigue as the racing calendar approaches full throttle.