Jacob Abel to Make IndyCar Debut with Dale Coyne Racing in 2025
In a significant development for both Jacob Abel and Dale Coyne Racing, the young and promising driver Jacob Abel is set to join the NTT IndyCar Series as a full-time driver in 2025. Abel, who has been honing his skills on the Indy NXT circuit for the past three years, will drive the No. 51 car exclusively for Dale Coyne Racing throughout the season.
At just 23 years old, Jacob Abel brings with him an impressive track record from his time in the junior leagues. Abel has competed in Formula 3, Formula 4, and the Indy Pro 2000 series between 2019 and 2021, building a solid foundation for his ascending career in motorsports. Last season on the Indy NXT circuit, Abel triumphed with three race victories and achieved podium finishes in 10 out of 14 races, testament to his competitive spirit and undeniable talent.
"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," Abel commented as he expressed his excitement about the upcoming transition. "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."
Abel’s credentials extend beyond just his recent successes on the track. As a rookie, he ranked eighth in the points standings and remarkably finished as a runner-up last year, demonstrating a rapid adaptation and prowess in competitive racing environments. This trajectory of growth and performance has been closely monitored by Dale Coyne Racing, culminating in Abel's participation in an evaluation test at Sebring during the fall of 2023, where he reportedly showcased great promise.
Dale Coyne, the team owner, shared his enthusiasm for the addition of Abel to the team, 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 will see Dale Coyne Racing adopting a more streamlined approach by assigning a single driver to the No. 51 car, a shift from their strategy in 2024 when they utilized multiple drivers over the season. The focus on cultivating a consistent driver in Abel is anticipated to bolster the team's performance through a unified and dedicated effort.
In preparation for his IndyCar debut, Abel is scheduled to begin testing at California’s Thermal Club in late January. This vital phase will allow him to acclimate to the team and the intricacies of the vehicle, ensuring that he enters the series equipped to navigate the challenges ahead. Abel's official debut will take place on March 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida, marking a new chapter in his promising career.
While Abel will anchor the efforts in the No. 51 car, Dale Coyne Racing has announced plans to reveal the full-time driver for their No. 18 car in the impending weeks, further solidifying their lineup for the 2025 season.
As Abel ascends the ranks to IndyCar, the motorsport community eagerly awaits his performance on one of racing's most prestigious stages. With a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned experience within his grasp, Jacob Abel stands on the brink of an exhilarating new phase, ready to leave his mark on the IndyCar Series.