As the engines roar to life for the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series, all eyes will turn to the promising young racer Jacob Abel, who has been tapped to drive the No. 51 car for Dale Coyne Racing. At just 23 years old, Abel is set to transition from the Indy NXT circuit, where he has carved out a reputation marked by tenacious performances and podium finishes. Now, his sights are firmly set on making his mark in the highly competitive world of IndyCar racing.
From Indy NXT to IndyCar
Abel's journey to the upper echelons of racing has been one of steady progress and notable achievements. Over the past three years, he has honed his skills on the Indy NXT circuit, demonstrating both speed and consistency. Last season's performance was particularly impressive; Abel secured three race victories and stood on the podium in 10 of the 14 races, a testament to his growing prowess and expertly honed racing acumen. Such accomplishments did not go unnoticed. Dale Coyne Racing, seeking consistency in its lineup for 2025, was quick to recognize Abel's potential and extended the invitation to join their team as a full-time driver.
A Season of Promise
Jacob Abel’s rookie season saw him finishing eighth in the points standings. However, it was his subsequent performance as a runner-up last season that underscored his capabilities and caught the attention of key racing stakeholders. Abel's stellar results have secured him the seat for the No. 51 car, a role that previously saw multiple drivers throughout 2024. Abel's new position marks a strategic shift for Dale Coyne Racing, as the team looks to cultivate a more unified and consistent approach over the course of the full season.
"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," Dale Coyne remarked with confidence. "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."
An Exciting Partnership
Abel's relationship with Dale Coyne Racing is not born out of mere convenience but has been forged over time, through trials and tests—most notably his evaluation at Sebring in the fall. Abel expressed his gratitude and readiness for the upcoming challenges, acknowledging the team’s experienced personnel and the journey ahead. "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 shared. "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."
A New Beginning in St. Petersburg
Fans and racing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Abel's debut, which is earmarked for March 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Leading up to this significant milestone, Abel will begin his on-track preparations with testing at California’s Thermal Club in late January. This testing period will be crucial as he acclimates to the No. 51 car and synchronizes his abilities with the team’s strategies and approaches.
The announcement of Abel as the full-time driver also opens intriguing possibilities for the No. 18 car, a seat that remains under wraps with plans to disclose its full-time driver in the coming weeks. This strategic positioning by Dale Coyne Racing suggests a renewed emphasis on cultivating talent and achieving results in the upcoming season.
Jacob Abel’s emergence as a significant figure within IndyCar is a fascinating narrative not only for his supporters but for the racing community at large. His combination of youthful exuberance and refined skill sets a promising stage for the 2025 season. As Abel embarks on what could be the most pivotal chapter of his career, the anticipation is palpable, and his journey, undoubtedly, will be watched with keen interest across the racing world.