Jacob Abel Joins Dale Coyne Racing as Full-Time Driver for 2025 Season
As the racing world turns its eyes towards the 2025 IndyCar Series, Dale Coyne Racing has announced that Jacob Abel will be joining their ranks as a full-time driver. The 23-year-old, who has been making waves on the Indy NXT circuit, is set to drive the No. 51 car, as the team consolidates its efforts with a single driver for the entire season.
Abel’s journey in the world of motorsports is nothing short of impressive. Over the past three years, he has been honing his skills in the Indy NXT circuit, a proving ground for many future IndyCar stars. Last season, Abel showcased his prowess by securing three race victories and stepping onto the podium in 10 out of 14 races. This remarkable performance helped him finish as the runner-up, improving on his eighth-place standing from his rookie season.
Dale Coyne, the team owner, expressed his excitement about Abel's addition to the team. "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," Coyne said. "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."
Abel’s experience extends beyond the Indy NXT circuit. Before embarking on his journey in Indy NXT, Abel competed in Formula 3 and 4 as well as the Indy Pro 2000 series between 2019 and 2021. His diverse background in various racing series has equipped him with a broad spectrum of skills and adaptability, essential traits for tackling the challenges of IndyCar racing.
Having participated in an evaluation test at Sebring in the fall, Abel is no stranger to the intensity and demands of the top-tier racing category. His official testing schedule is set to begin in late January at California’s Thermal Club, marking the beginning of an intensive preparation period for his highly anticipated debut.
In a recent statement, Abel shared his enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity. "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 said. "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 upcoming season marks a new strategy for Dale Coyne Racing, as they transition from multiple drivers in the 2024 season to a single driver lineup for the No. 51 car. This strategic shift aims to achieve greater consistency and focus in their pursuit of success in the 2025 IndyCar season. In addition, the announcement of a full-time driver for the No. 18 car is anticipated in the coming weeks, further solidifying the team's framework for the ensuing competition.
As the countdown to the IndyCar debut on March 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida, approaches, all eyes will be on Abel as he embarks on this new chapter in his career. His journey from the Formula series to the NXT circuit and now to IndyCar is indicative of his relentless drive and ambition. With the support of a seasoned team behind him, Jacob Abel is poised to make a significant impact in the competitive arena of IndyCar racing.