Rising Star: Jacob Abel Joins Dale Coyne Racing for 2025 Season
The motorsport world is abuzz with the announcement that Jacob Abel, a promising young talent from the Indy NXT circuit, will join Dale Coyne Racing as a full-time driver in 2025. At just 23 years old, Abel has already demonstrated a level of skill and composure that suggests a bright future in the competitive world of IndyCar racing.
Jacob Abel's journey to this pivotal moment has been patiently crafted over several years. Abel has been a prominent figure in the Indy NXT circuit for the past three seasons, showcasing a formidable race craft that has resulted in consistent success. Last season, Abel achieved three race victories and ascended the podium in an impressive 10 out of 14 races, ultimately securing a runner-up spot in the points standings—a notable improvement from his debut season, where he ranked eighth as a rookie.
The news of Abel's move to Dale Coyne Racing adds an exciting chapter to his racing 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 said, reflecting on the opportunity ahead. "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."
Abel's path to IndyCar prominence has been paved with perseverance and a diverse racing background. Prior to his tenure in the Indy NXT series, he competed in Formula 3, Formula 4, and the Indy Pro 2000 series from 2019 to 2021, steadily building a resume of experience across different tiers of motorsport competition.
The coming season promises a fresh dynamic at Dale Coyne Racing, with the team opting to run one driver in the No. 51 car throughout the year, marking a shift from its previous multi-driver strategy in 2024. Dale Coyne, the mastermind behind the team, expressed optimism about this new direction. "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 remarked. "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."
Jacob Abel's foray into IndyCar will officially commence with testing at California’s Thermal Club in late January, a prelude to his much-anticipated debut on March 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida. It’s an opportunity for Abel to showcase his abilities on one of the biggest stages in motorsport—a testament to his hard work and dedication cutting through the competitive fabric of open-wheel racing.
As Dale Coyne Racing finalizes its lineup for the upcoming season, with an announcement expected soon for the No. 18 car, all eyes are set on the promising synergy between Abel and the seasoned team. Abel’s determination and youthful exuberance, combined with Coyne’s seasoned insight and strategic acumen, paint a promising picture for a team looking to climb the rungs of IndyCar success.
In a racing circuit teeming with talent, Jacob Abel's arrival in the NTT IndyCar Series is a story of potential realized, as well as a testament to the rigorous pathways that define the journey of becoming an elite racing driver. With a fresh challenge on the horizon and a solid team foundation beneath him, Abel's tenure with Dale Coyne Racing could very well mark the start of another thrilling chapter in his burgeoning racing career.