Dale Coyne Racing Signs Jacob Abel as Full-Time Driver for 2025 Season
As the engines rev up for the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series, racing fans will witness a fresh face taking the wheel for Dale Coyne Racing. Jacob Abel, a 23-year-old rising star with significant successes on the Indy NXT circuit, will be stepping in as a full-time driver for the team’s No. 51 car.
Abel, who began his motorsport journey with stints in Formula 3, Formula 4, and the Indy Pro 2000 series from 2019 to 2021, has more recently made a name for himself in Indy NXT. Over the past three years, he has demonstrated his prowess on the track, culminating in a stellar performance last season where he claimed victory in three races and reached the podium 10 times out of 14 races. His impressive performance also saw him finishing as runner-up in points standings after an eighth-place finish as a rookie.
Next season marks a significant transition for Dale Coyne Racing, which previously ran multiple drivers in 2024, but has chosen to focus on continuity by appointing Abel as the solo driver for the No. 51 car. Team owner Dale Coyne expressed optimism about this new chapter, saying, “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.”
Testing and Growth
The collaboration between Jacob Abel and Dale Coyne Racing is built on mutual respect and shared aspirations. Abel’s readiness to face the challenges of the IndyCar circuit is evident as he recalls the supportive relationship he has cultivated with Coyne and his team. “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,” Abel remarked, highlighting the partnership as both a learning opportunity and a time of tremendous potential.
Abel has already begun the rigorous preparation required for the season ahead. Having participated in an evaluation test at Sebring during the fall, he is scheduled to conduct further testing in late January at California’s Thermal Club. These tests are key components of his preparation strategy, intended to bolster his familiarity with the car and the series as a whole.
An Anticipated Debut
Abel’s official IndyCar debut is set for March 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida, a venue known for its challenging street circuit that has historically demanded a combination of skill, patience, and tactical execution—an ideal proving ground for the young driver. Abel’s journey to St. Petersburg is steeped in anticipation, not only from his team but also from fans eager to see how his previous track successes translate to the broader IndyCar platform.
With a nod to the coming season, Abel’s focus remains unwavering. The team is yet to announce the full-time driver for their No. 18 car, adding another layer of anticipation as Dale Coyne Racing finalizes its lineup.
As Abel continues his preparations and the countdown to March narrows, the motorsport community will be keeping a close watch. His transition from the Indy NXT circuit to full-time IndyCar competition represents the culmination of years of dedication and achievement, a journey rich with promise and opportunity.
Dale Coyne Racing’s decision to place their trust in a young and talented driver like Jacob Abel is an exciting development for fans and a strategic move that prioritizes consistency and development over the long haul. As Abel himself aptly puts it, “It’s going to be a fun but challenging journey, and I can’t wait to get started.”