Jacob Abel Joins Dale Coyne Racing as Full-Time Driver for 2025 IndyCar Season
The landscape of IndyCar racing is set for an exciting shift as promising young talent Jacob Abel steps up as a full-time driver for Dale Coyne Racing in the 2025 season. At just 23 years old, Abel is quickly emerging as a formidable force on the track, bringing with him a wealth of experience and achievements from the Indy NXT circuit.
Abel’s tenure on the Indy NXT circuit has been marked by impressive feats, having nabbed three race victories in the last season alone and consistently landing on the podium in 10 out of 14 races. Surpassing expectations from early in his career, Abel ranked eighth in the points standings as a rookie before improving to a runner-up position the following year.
The Journey to IndyCar
Jacob Abel's rise through the ranks has been steady and noteworthy. Before his success in Indy NXT, Abel gained invaluable experience competing in Formula 3, Formula 4, and the Indy Pro 2000 series between 2019 and 2021. This diverse background has prepared him for the formidable challenges and high-speed demands of IndyCar racing.
Abel's opportunity to join Dale Coyne Racing emerged from an evaluation test at Sebring last fall, where he impressed with his promise in the IndyCar vehicles. In the coming months, Abel will intensify his preparations, beginning with testing at California’s Thermal Club in late January.
A New Chapter with Dale Coyne Racing
Abel's IndyCar debut is slated for March 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he will pilot the No. 51 car for Dale Coyne Racing. The team has decided to opt for consistency in the 2025 season by running a single driver in the No. 51 car throughout the year, a departure from their previous strategy of utilizing multiple drivers in 2024.
The change aims to build a synergy that is often only achieved through a consistent lineup. Dale Coyne himself expressed his enthusiasm for having Abel join the team, 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."
For Abel, this opportunity with Dale Coyne Racing represents both a validation of his past achievements and an ambitious next step in his career. "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. "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
Looking forward, Dale Coyne Racing has yet to announce the full-time driver for their No. 18 car, a decision expected to become public in the coming weeks. Abel's involvement is part of a strategic effort by the team to blend youthful exuberance with the experience and depth provided by seasoned team members. Abel's progression into the top tiers of racing is a testament to his focus and passion for the sport, and his inclusion in the IndyCar series is poised to bring a fresh dynamic to the circuit.
As the first race approaches, all eyes will be on Abel as he makes the transition from Indy NXT to the faster, more competitive world of IndyCar racing. His debut will not only mark a significant milestone in his burgeoning career but also set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating chapter for both Abel and Dale Coyne Racing in the high-octane arena of motorsport.