In a significant milestone for budding motorsports talent, Jacob Abel is set to join Dale Coyne Racing as a full-time driver for the 2025 season. The 23-year-old American has demonstrated remarkable promise on the Indy NXT circuit over the last three years, culminating in an impressive stint last season where he secured three race victories and consistently reached the podium in 10 out of 14 races.
Abel’s progression has been both swift and noteworthy. As a rookie, he occupied eighth place in the points standings, which was a prelude to his stunning runner-up finish last year. His rise through the ranks, initially competing in Formula 3, Formula 4, and Indy Pro 2000 series from 2019 to 2021, is now leading him to the esteemed NTT IndyCar Series, where he will drive the No. 51 car for Dale Coyne Racing. This move marks another step in his escalating career trajectory.
The Transition to IndyCar
The transition to a top-tier IndyCar team signifies a new chapter for Abel, who has already begun laying the groundwork for success in the series. He participated in an evaluation test at Sebring in the fall, where his skilled driving caught the eye of team leaders. “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,” commented Dale Coyne, reflecting on the talents that Abel brings to the table.
This commitment from Dale Coyne Racing extends into their strategy for the upcoming season. Unlike the 2024 season, where multiple drivers shared the No. 51 car, the decision to appoint Abel as the sole driver reflects the team's desire for consistency and focused development. Coyne added, “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 Relationships and Expectations
Jacob Abel has cultivated a positive rapport with the team, which has been instrumental in his recruitment. “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 expressed. “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.”
With Abel stepping into the No. 51 car, there is palpable excitement surrounding his debut at the season opener in St. Petersburg, Florida, on March 2. Before the racing calendar kicks off, Abel will commence testing at California’s Thermal Club in late January, an opportunity for him to acclimate further with the car and hone his skills under the tutelage of the proficient team members at Dale Coyne Racing.
Looking Ahead
As anticipation builds for next season, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on how Abel adapts to the demands of top-tier racing. His journey is emblematic of the wider storyline heralding emerging talent in motorsport, with Abel himself admitting, “It's going to be a fun but challenging journey, and I can't wait to get started.”
This budding partnership between Jacob Abel and Dale Coyne Racing promises to be a fascinating narrative in the 2025 IndyCar season. With the right mix of skill, confidence, and experience backing him, Abel aims to convert this opportunity into success on the racetrack. Meanwhile, fans eagerly await further announcements regarding Dale Coyne Racing's plans for their No. 18 car, further adding intrigue to the team's configuration for the forthcoming season.
Jacob Abel’s foray into IndyCar comes with substantial expectations but also an opportunity to establish himself as a formidable force within the championship. As he prepares for his debut, Abel seems ready to embrace the challenges and rewards that racing at this level entails.