In a bold move set to make waves in the NTT IndyCar Series, Dale Coyne Racing has announced that 23-year-old Jacob Abel will be taking the wheel as a full-time driver for their team in 2025. Fresh off a high-powered stint in the Indy NXT circuit, Abel's transition to Dale Coyne Racing marks a significant step forward in his burgeoning motorsport career.
An Impressive Track Record
Jacob Abel's rise in the racing world has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past three years, he has honed his skills on the Indy NXT circuit, consistently demonstrating his prowess on the track. The previous season saw Abel clinching three race victories and securing podium finishes in 10 out of 14 races, a testament to his tenacity and skill. These achievements eventually led him to finish as the runner-up in the points standings — a stark improvement from his rookie year, where he ranked eighth.
Abel's journey began much earlier, with competitive stints in Formula 3 and 4, as well as the Indy Pro 2000 series from 2019 to 2021. These experiences have provided him with a solid foundation and understanding of high-speed races, priming him for the challenges that await in the IndyCar arena.
Team Confidence
Dale Coyne, the team's namesake and pivotal figure, has been monitoring Abel's development closely. Through an evaluation test conducted at Sebring at the end of the 2023 season, Abel showcased his potential and compatibility with the team’s cars. This assessment played a crucial role in Coyne's decision to offer Abel a seat. "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," remarked Coyne. "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."
Abel will replace the rotation of drivers Dale Coyne Racing employed in 2024, solidifying a new chapter for the No. 51 car with a single, focused driver throughout the season. Coyne’s emphasis on consistency speaks volumes about his strategic vision for the team and the trust he places in Abel’s capabilities.
A Future Full of Promise
The young driver will embark on this new journey at California’s Thermal Club, where he is scheduled to begin testing in late January. This preparation will be crucial ahead of his official debut in the tournament slated for March 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Abel’s racing machine will be the No. 51 car, a vehicle that promises to become a familiar sight throughout the upcoming season.
Reflecting on the opportunity ahead, Abel expressed a palpable sense of excitement and gratitude. "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," he said.
Dale Coyne Racing’s new strategy and Abel's entry signal an intriguing phase for all stakeholders involved. As the NTT IndyCar Series prepares for another competitive season, eyes will be fixed on Abel as he gears up to prove himself on a larger stage.
Looking Ahead
While the No. 18 car's driver announcement is eagerly awaited, the focus now is on Abel's potential to make a lasting impact. Fans and analysts alike are keen to see whether this promising talent can translate his success from Indy NXT to the more challenging terrain of IndyCar. With Abel’s ambition steering him and Dale Coyne Racing providing the horsepower, the motorsport world is set to witness yet another chapter in the ever-evolving narrative of speed and skill.