Jacob Abel Joins Dale Coyne Racing as Full-Time Driver for 2025 Season
In a strategic move that promises to invigorate the lineup of Dale Coyne Racing, Jacob Abel, a rising star in the racing world, will step into the role of a full-time driver for the team's No. 51 car in the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series season. At just 23 years old, Abel embarks on this thrilling chapter of his career after making significant strides on the Indy NXT circuit. Over the past three years, Abel has not only demonstrated his racing acumen but also captured the attention of top teams with his impressive performances.
Abel's tenure in the Indy NXT circuit has been nothing short of remarkable. Last season, he secured three race victories and clinched a podium finish in 10 out of 14 races. These achievements catapulted him from ranking eighth as a rookie to being the runner-up last year in the competitive points standings. Abel's consistent performance and knack for adapting to challenging racing conditions have made him a driver to watch in the coming years.
The decision to bring Abel into the full-time driver position was solidified during an evaluation test at Sebring in the fall. His impressive display of skill and potential was enough to convince the team of his readiness for the demanding IndyCar Series. Reflecting on this opportunity, Abel expressed gratitude and optimism: "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."
Consistency and Development at Dale Coyne Racing
For Dale Coyne Racing, the recruitment of Abel marks a strategic shift towards consistency and long-term development. The team, which previously fielded multiple drivers in the No. 51 car for the 2024 season, aims to leverage the stability brought by having a single, dedicated driver for an entire season. Dale Coyne himself noted the benefits of this continuity: "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."
With Abel behind the wheel, Dale Coyne Racing anticipates bolstering their performance on the track and paving the way for a successful season in the IndyCar Series. The team is prepared to enhance their technical setup, with experienced personnel set to contribute their expertise to the race program. The confidence within the team is palpable as they prepare to contend with some of the best in the sport.
Path to IndyCar and the Road Ahead
Jacob Abel's journey to this point has been methodical and strategic. Before establishing himself in the Indy NXT series, Abel competed in Formula 3 and 4, as well as the Indy Pro 2000 series from 2019 to 2021. These experiences have allowed him to hone his skills and build a foundation of technical knowledge and racecraft that will serve him well on the grander stages of the IndyCar Series.
Looking ahead, Abel's preparation for the upcoming season includes a testing session at California’s Thermal Club in late January. This will be an opportunity for Abel to acclimate to the team and refine the car setup in anticipation of his highly anticipated IndyCar debut. Scheduled for March 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida, Abel's debut will mark a defining moment in his career as he navigates the challenges of the IndyCar circuit.
As anticipation builds, the racing community is eager to see how Jacob Abel will fare in his debut season with Dale Coyne Racing. With a promising track record and a dedicated team backing him, Abel's journey in the 2025 IndyCar Series is set to be an exhilarating one.