Dale Coyne Racing Welcomes Jacob Abel for the 2025 IndyCar Season
A Promising Talent Joins the Big Leagues
In an exciting move for IndyCar fans, Dale Coyne Racing announced the signing of Jacob Abel as a full-time driver for the 2025 season. Abel, a 23-year-old rising star, has caught the attention of racing aficionados through his impressive performances on the Indy NXT circuit over the past three years. Last season alone, he clinched three race victories and found himself on the podium in 10 out of the 14 races, showcasing his consistency and determination.
His journey to the top wasn’t instant. Abel’s steady climb up the ranks, from eighth in the points standings as a rookie to a commendable runner-up position last year, illustrates his dedication and growth as a racer. Dale Coyne Racing took notice of his potential by inviting him to an evaluation day at Sebring in the fall, after which they were convinced he was the right fit for the team.
Preparation for the Big Stage
Jacob Abel is set to commence testing at California’s Thermal Club in late January, gearing up for his IndyCar debut in St. Petersburg, Florida, on March 2. Driving the No. 51 car for Dale Coyne Racing, he’s ready to embrace the complexities and challenges of the prestigious NTT IndyCar Series. Abel acknowledges the road ahead with enthusiasm, stating, "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."
Dale Coyne Racing’s Strategic Moves
The decision to run a single driver in the No. 51 car for the entire season marks a strategic shift for Dale Coyne Racing, a team that previously rotated multiple drivers in 2024. Team owner Dale Coyne expressed his anticipation for the upcoming season, remarking, "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."
As Dale Coyne Racing continues to refine its lineup, fans eagerly await the announcement of the full-time driver for the No. 18 car, expected to be revealed in the coming weeks. This measured approach, focusing on consistency and development, is poised to enhance the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
Abel’s journey to IndyCar has been marked by dedication and significant milestones, from his initial days in Formula 3 and 4 to competing in the Indy Pro 2000 series from 2019 to 2021. With a strong track record and a promising future, Jacob Abel's leap to IndyCar signifies not just a personal achievement but also an exciting new chapter for Dale Coyne Racing.