In an exciting development for the motorsports world, 23-year-old Jacob Abel is set to become a full-time driver for Dale Coyne Racing, taking the wheel of the No. 51 car for the 2025 season. Abel, who has spent the past three years showcasing his talents on the Indy NXT circuit, is eager to make his mark in the prestigious NTT IndyCar Series.
A Proven Talent
Abel's progression to IndyCar is a testament to his impressive track record in junior competitions. He comes from a background that includes stints in Formula 3 and 4, as well as the Indy Pro 2000 series from 2019 to 2021. His recent performances in the Indy NXT series have been particularly noteworthy. Last season, Abel clinched three race victories and ascended the podium in 10 of 14 races, finishing as the runner-up in the points standings. This strong showing is indicative of his potential to succeed at the highest levels of open-wheel racing.
"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 remarked, expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge. "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."
The Shift to a Single Driver
Dale Coyne Racing's decision to run a single driver in the No. 51 car throughout the 2025 season contrasts with their approach last season, where they employed multiple drivers. This strategic shift aims to ensure consistency and focus, allowing the team and driver to gel over the course of a full racing calendar.
Dale Coyne himself commented on the decision, stating, "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."
Eyes on the Prize
As Dale Coyne Racing gears up for the 2025 season, they are also in the process of finalizing their full-time driver for the No. 18 car, an announcement anticipated in the forthcoming weeks. Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing for Abel's IndyCar debut, scheduled for March 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The development of Abel's driving skills will continue at California’s Thermal Club, where he begins testing in late January. Prior evaluations, including a testing session at Sebring in the fall, have indicated his capability to handle the demands of an IndyCar. The upcoming tests in California will be crucial in further acclimating him to the unique dynamics of the series.
A Promising Future
As Abel embarks on this new phase of his racing career, the motorsports community will be keenly observing his adaptation to the IndyCar environment. His achievements in the Indy NXT circuit have set a high bar, prompting expectations of significant competition from this young and talented driver.
Abel's tenure with Dale Coyne Racing marks a significant milestone, not just for the driver but also for the team. A combination of Abel's youthful energy and determination, paired with the seasoned expertise within Dale Coyne Racing, promises to be a potent mix as the team looks to make an impact in the 2025 IndyCar series.
Indeed, the journey ahead is filled with challenges and opportunities. As the 2025 season unfolds, motorsport enthusiasts will eagerly follow Abel's progress, hopeful that his transition to the NTT IndyCar Series mirrors the success he enjoyed in his previous racing endeavors.