Jacob Abel to Make IndyCar Debut with Dale Coyne Racing in 2025
In an exciting development for the IndyCar circuit, 23-year-old Jacob Abel is set to join Dale Coyne Racing (DCR) as the full-time driver for the No. 51 car in 2025. Abel’s ascent to the premier racing series marks a new chapter in his burgeoning career, which has seen him excel in the Indy NXT circuit over the past few years.
Abel has been a fixture in the Indy NXT scene, showcasing his considerable talent and competitive spirit. Over three seasons, Abel has managed to carve a niche for himself, winning three races and securing podium finishes in 10 out of 14 events in the last season alone. His impressive performances did not go unnoticed, as he climbed the ranks to finish as runner-up in the series’ standings, having previously ranked eighth. Abel’s swift progress hints at his immense potential as an emerging force in motorsports.
Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Dale Coyne Racing, Abel remarked, "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."
Abel’s journey to this point has been defined by consistent growth and adaptation. He honed his skills in various racing series, starting with Formula 3 and 4, before competing in the Indy Pro 2000 series from 2019 to 2021. These experiences have undoubtedly provided Abel with a solid foundation for his IndyCar pursuits. His recent participation in an evaluation test at Sebring further emphasized his readiness for the leap. Dale Coyne, owner of the team, commented on Abel’s promise, 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."
Abel will be testing at California’s Thermal Club in late January as he gears up for his much-anticipated IndyCar debut, scheduled for March 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida. DCR’s decision to field a single driver for the No. 51 car throughout the season underscores the team’s commitment to building on their performance and fostering consistency—a crucial component in the fiercely competitive NTT IndyCar Series.
For Dale Coyne Racing, this decision marks a strategic shift from previous seasons, where they relied on multiple drivers for the No. 51 car. As they prepare for the upcoming season, Abel’s arrival adds a fresh dynamic to the team’s approach. Coyne highlighted this strategic focus, stating, "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."
While Jacob Abel’s role is clearly defined, the team has yet to announce a full-time driver for its No. 18 car, with details expected in the coming weeks. This anticipation further adds to the excitement as the team reshuffles its lineup ahead of the 2025 season.
Overall, Abel’s inclusion in Dale Coyne Racing’s lineup represents both a convergence of youthful promise and a bold new step for the team. With a competitive resume under his belt and a determined mindset, the motorsports community will be keenly watching as Jacob Abel takes his place on the IndyCar grid. Under the guiding hand of Dale Coyne and supported by an experienced team, Abel’s inaugural IndyCar season promises to be an exhilarating ride, not only for the driver himself but for fans and followers of the sport alike. As he prepares to tackle this new challenge, Jacob Abel’s journey with Dale Coyne Racing is set to be both a testament to his capabilities and a thrilling addition to the IndyCar narrative.