In a significant move for the NTT IndyCar Series, Jacob Abel has been confirmed as a full-time driver for Dale Coyne Racing starting in the 2025 season. The 23-year-old prodigy is set to pilot the No. 51 car, solidifying a longstanding relationship with the team that has watched his progression closely over the years.
A Promising Talent
Abel's ascension to a full-time IndyCar seat comes as no surprise to those who have followed his career trajectory. Beginning with humble beginnings in Formula 3 and 4, and later competing in the Indy Pro 2000 series between 2019 and 2021, the young American driver has shown his caliber and innate racing prowess. Over the last three years, Abel has persistently honed his skills on the Indy NXT circuit, where he recently completed a stellar season that included three race victories. Notably, he landed on the podium in 10 out of the 14 races he competed in last year, finishing as the runner-up in the overall standings — a testament to his tenacity and skill on the track.
Building Momentum
The decision to place Abel in the No. 51 car, a vehicle that will see its lone driver for the entire 2025 season, marks a strategic shift for Dale Coyne Racing, a team that fielded multiple drivers for this car in 2024. Dale Coyne, the influential team owner, has expressed confidence in Abel's capabilities, having witnessed his performance first-hand during an evaluation test at Sebring last fall. "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 stated. "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."
Preparation Is Key
Abel's induction into Dale Coyne Racing brings with it a blend of excitement and formidable challenges. To prepare for his highly anticipated IndyCar debut in March 2025 at the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, Abel is set to begin testing at California’s prestigious Thermal Club in late January. These preparatory steps are crucial for any rookie entering the frenetic world of IndyCar, where split-second decisions and high-octane precision are the order of the day.
A Legacy of Trust
Throughout Abel's budding career, his relationship with Dale Coyne has been one built on mutual trust and appreciation. Coyne's decision to entrust Abel with the responsibility of carrying the team’s mantle speaks volumes about the young driver’s maturity and potential. "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."
With the announcement of a full-time driver for Dale Coyne Racing’s No. 18 car expected in the coming weeks, Abel's new role is part of a broader strategic realignment that the team seems poised to benefit from. As he steps into the car's cockpit, Jacob Abel not only carries the hopes of Dale Coyne Racing but also the eyes of a community eager to witness the rise of one of racing's promising defense.
As the 2025 season edges closer, Jacob Abel undoubtedly stands on the precipice of what could be a transformative chapter in his racing career, mirroring the ambitions and the inevitable learning curve that comes with pitting oneself against seasoned veterans in the NTT IndyCar Series.