Jacob Abel Ascends to Full-Time IndyCar Driver with Dale Coyne Racing
In a development that underscores his rapid rise through the ranks of motorsport, 23-year-old Jacob Abel is set to become a full-time driver for Dale Coyne Racing in the 2025 IndyCar season. This move marks a significant milestone in Abel's burgeoning career, following his impressive performances in the Indy NXT circuit over the past three years.
The young driver is no stranger to the racetrack, having honed his skills in the fiercely competitive environments of Formula 3 and 4, as well as the Indy Pro 2000 series, between 2019 and 2021. His recent track record in Indy NXT has been nothing short of remarkable, securing three race victories while reaching the podium in 10 out of 14 races last season. Abel's trajectory saw him place eighth in points as a rookie and elevate to runner-up the following year, emphasizing his potential and improving competitive edge.
For Dale Coyne Racing, the decision to bring Abel on board as a full-time driver represents a strategic commitment to consistency and performance. Team owner Dale Coyne expressed optimism about the young driver's future, 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."
As Abel prepares for his IndyCar debut on March 2nd in St. Petersburg, Florida, he will be driving the No. 51 car. This comes after a strategic shift by Dale Coyne Racing from deploying multiple drivers in the No. 51 car in 2024, to focusing on a lone, dedicated driver for the entire season in 2025—a move aimed at fostering team synergy and performance. Abel conveyed his enthusiasm and gratitude about his new role, "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."
Preparations for his high-profile role are already underway. Abel participated in an evaluation test at Sebring in the fall, and will commence testing at California’s Thermal Club in late January. These sessions are critical as they provide Abel the opportunity to acclimatize to the new vehicle dynamics and further synchronize with his team's operational strategies.
While Abel will pilot the No. 51 car, Dale Coyne Racing is yet to announce the full-time driver for their No. 18 car, a decision anticipated in the coming weeks. The team’s strategic focus on cultivating a consistent approach with a single driver in the No. 51 car stems from a desire to consolidate their performance and leverage Abel's promising talent.
Jacob Abel's journey exemplifies the spirit of dedication, resilience, and ambition, qualities that are indispensable in the realm of motorsport. The upcoming season presents him with both a formidable challenge and a golden opportunity. As Abel embarks on this next chapter, all eyes will be on the No. 51 car to see how he translates his potential into tangible success on the IndyCar circuit. With seasoned team personnel at his side and a supportive team environment, the stage is set for what promises to be an exciting and enlightening inaugural IndyCar season for this young driver.