Jacob Abel to Make Full-Time IndyCar Leap with Dale Coyne Racing in 2025
Jacob Abel, a promising young star in the motorsport world, is set to take a significant leap forward in his racing career. In 2025, Abel will transition from a successful tenure in the Indy NXT circuit to become a full-time driver for Dale Coyne Racing. At just 23 years old, Abel's ascent in the racing hierarchy exemplifies both talent and determination, and his new role marks a pivotal step in his journey towards becoming a household name in the NTT IndyCar Series.
From Humble Beginnings to a Promising Future
Jacob Abel's path to the IndyCar Series has been marked by a steady climb through the racing ranks. Over the past three years, he has honed his skills on the Indy NXT circuit, achieving notable success last season with three race victories and 10 podium finishes out of 14 races. These accomplishments underscored his racing prowess, driving home the point that Abel is more than ready to make his mark at a higher level of competition.
In his rookie season, Abel ranked eighth in the points standings, yet it was his performance last year that truly caught the attention of racing insiders. Finishing as runner-up, Abel demonstrated his ability to compete consistently at the top tier of the developmental circuit, warranting a closer look from teams like Dale Coyne Racing.
A New Era for Dale Coyne Racing
Dale Coyne Racing, known for its strategic decisions and commitment to nurturing young talent, will be running the No. 51 car with Abel as their sole driver for the entire 2025 season. This is a departure from their 2024 approach, where the team fielded multiple drivers. The decision reflects a strategic move towards greater consistency and sustained performance throughout the highly competitive IndyCar calendar.
Team owner Dale Coyne expressed his confidence in Abel's potential, noting, "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."
Building on Strong Foundations
Abel’s journey to this point has included forays into various racing disciplines, including Formula 3, Formula 4, and the Indy Pro 2000 series between 2019 and 2021. This diverse experience has ingrained in him a resilience and adaptability that will be crucial as he navigates the demands of the IndyCar Series.
"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," stated Abel. "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 Road Ahead
Abel is set to begin testing at California’s Thermal Club in late January, a crucial phase that will allow him to acclimate to the car and team dynamics ahead of the grueling season. His official debut in the IndyCar Series is scheduled for March 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida, an event eagerly anticipated by fans and the Dale Coyne Racing team alike.
While the No. 18 car's full-time driver announcement is still pending, the focus on consistency with Abel at the helm of the No. 51 car indicates a clear intent to build a competitive edge. The coming weeks will be instrumental as the team seeks to fine-tune their strategies and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
As Jacob Abel embarks on this new chapter, both he and Dale Coyne Racing offer a compelling narrative of growth, potential, and ambition. Their partnership epitomizes the essence of motorsport—a blend of passion, preparation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.