Jacob Abel Set to Drive Full-Time for Dale Coyne Racing in 2025 IndyCar Season
In a significant move for Dale Coyne Racing, Jacob Abel will take the wheel full-time in 2025, marking a new chapter for both the team and the promising young driver in the competitive NTT IndyCar Series. Abel, who has been carving a name for himself in the racing world, will be the sole driver of the No. 51 car, a notable shift from the team's previous strategy of rotating drivers last season.
At just 23 years old, Jacob Abel brings a slew of accomplishments from the Indy NXT circuit to his new role. Over the past three years, Abel has demonstrated his prowess and potential, culminating in a standout performance last season that included three victories and ten podium finishes out of 14 races. Abel's efforts did not go unnoticed, as he progressed from finishing eighth in the points standings as a rookie to securing a runner-up position last year.
His upward trajectory caught the attention of Dale Coyne Racing, leading to an extensive evaluation process that included a test at Sebring in the fall of 2023. Coyne himself commented on this decision, 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, the opportunity to drive for Dale Coyne Racing is both an honor and a challenge. "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 to IndyCar
Abel's path to the IndyCar series has been paved with notable achievements in lower-tier series. Between 2019 and 2021, he competed in the Formula 3 and 4 circuits, as well as the Indy Pro 2000 series, events that undoubtedly honed his competitive edge and racing skill set. These experiences have equipped him with the tenacity and technical know-how essential for facing the challenges of IndyCar racing.
Looking ahead, Abel is scheduled to make his IndyCar debut on March 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Before the green flag waves in St. Petersburg, he will begin his testing regime at California's Thermal Club in late January. This preparation period will be crucial for Abel as he acclimates to the rigors of the IndyCar scene and his new team dynamics.
A New Era for Dale Coyne Racing
Dale Coyne Racing’s strategic move to appoint a full-time driver for the No. 51 car suggests a focus on consistency and long-term development. This strategic realignment comes after a season that saw multiple drivers take turns in the cockpit, an approach that, while offering flexibility, limits the scope for a driver and team to evolve symbiotically over a season. The team is also expected to announce a full-time driver for the No. 18 car in the coming weeks, indicating a potential overhaul in their driver lineup aimed at strengthening their competitive position in the series.
With Abel at the helm of the No. 51 car, not only will Dale Coyne Racing benefit from his fresh perspective and dynamic approach, but Abel himself gains the invaluable opportunity to grow under the tutelage of seasoned engineers and mentors. This mutual relationship is expected to yield benefits for both parties as they seek to make significant inroads in the upcoming IndyCar season.
The 2025 season promises to be a pivotal one for Jacob Abel as he embarks on this new racing journey. Given his trajectory thus far and his evident dedication to the craft, fans and team members alike will be keenly watching his progress on one of motor racing’s most prestigious stages. Abel's debut in March will mark the beginning of what many hope will be a long and successful career in the elite echelons of motorsport.