In a significant shift for the upcoming 2025 racing season, Jacob Abel will step into the role of a full-time driver for Dale Coyne Racing, piloting the No. 51 car. At just 23 years old, Abel transitions from his successful stint in the Indy NXT circuit, where he has been a formidable presence over the past three years.
Abel's Journey to IndyCar
Abel's rise in the racing world has been nothing short of meteoric. Having competed in Formula 3, Formula 4, and the Indy Pro 2000 series between 2019 and 2021, his development as a driver has been closely watched by many in the motorsport community. His tenure in Indy NXT has been particularly noteworthy, with Abel clinching three race victories and gracing the podium in an impressive 10 out of 14 races last season alone.
Despite being a rookie, Abel left a strong impression by ranking eighth in the points standings, and he followed that up by finishing as the runner-up last year. His achievements mark him as a potential standout talent in the high-octane world of IndyCar racing.
Dale Coyne Racing's Strategic Move
Dale Coyne Racing, known for its competitive presence in the NTT IndyCar Series, is embracing a fresh strategy with Abel at the helm of the No. 51 car, committing to a single driver throughout the season. In 2024, the team experimented with multiple drivers, but after evaluating Abel at Sebring in the fall, they are convinced of his promise. "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," said team owner Dale Coyne. "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."
Preparations Underway
Abel is not wasting any time getting acclimated to his new role. He is set to begin testing at California’s Thermal Club in late January, setting the stage for his official IndyCar debut on March 2nd in St. Petersburg, Florida. This transition is marked by excitement and anticipation, not just from Abel but also from the entire Dale Coyne Racing team. Abel expressed his gratitude and eagerness: "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."
The Future of Dale Coyne Racing
While Abel's confirmation as a full-time driver for the No. 51 car marks a new chapter for the team, there remains intrigue regarding the No. 18 car. Dale Coyne Racing plans to announce a full-time driver for it in the coming weeks, signaling a commitment to reinvigoration and strategic planning for the upcoming season.
As anticipation builds for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Abel as he steps onto the IndyCar circuit, eager to make his mark. The entire racing community will be watching to see how this promising young driver can translate his Indy NXT success to one of the most prestigious racing series in the world. With the support of a veteran team and a proven track record of rising to every occasion, Abel is poised for what promises to be an extraordinary chapter in his racing career.