Rising star Jacob Abel has made the leap to the big leagues, securing a full-time seat with Dale Coyne Racing (DCR) for the 2024 IndyCar Series. The Kentucky native will pilot the No. 51 Honda in what promises to be a transformative season for both driver and team. With two Indy NXT wins, three poles, and ten podiums in 2023, Abel’s performance as runner-up to Louis Foster in the NXT championship made his ascension inevitable.
For the 23-year-old, who turns 24 in March, the journey to IndyCar has been a dream years in the making.
From Indy NXT Success to IndyCar Reality
Abel’s breakout campaign with the family-run Abel Motorsports team put him firmly on the radar of top-tier organizations. His potential was further cemented during a recent test with Chip Ganassi Racing at Texas Motor Speedway, where he earned high praise from managing director Mike Hull. Hull’s endorsement undoubtedly contributed to Abel landing one of the final open seats on the IndyCar grid.
“It’s super cool; it’s what I’ve been working for my whole entire career,” Abel said of his promotion. “I’m just happy to have a chance to be on the grid, do what I love, and hopefully do it at a high level. It’s going to be a process, but it’s one I’m really looking forward to.”
Revitalizing a Struggling Team
Abel joins DCR at a pivotal moment. The Illinois-based team endured a tough 2023 season, struggling to maintain competitiveness against its rivals. Now, Abel is tasked not only with adjusting to the demands of IndyCar but also contributing to DCR’s turnaround.
“I’m not saying I’m going to be the lead driver in this team, but I’m really trying to foster a culture that can lead to improvement,” Abel said. “It’s about building race by race and year by year.”
DCR’s revamped personnel and renewed focus on continuity have given Abel confidence in the team’s ability to rebound. His feedback and experience with smaller teams in Indy NXT will be crucial as he collaborates with engineers to improve the No. 51’s performance.
Eyes on Rookie of the Year
Abel joins a rookie class that includes fellow standout Louis Foster and PREMA Racing’s Robert Shwartzman, all vying for the coveted Rookie of the Year title. With 26 of 27 grid spots now filled, Abel’s addition highlights the increasing competitiveness of the 2024 IndyCar roster.
Abel’s first test with DCR is set for the end of January at The Thermal Club in California, where he will begin building chemistry with the team and refining his approach to the demands of IndyCar.
The Road Ahead
While Abel acknowledges the challenges of transitioning to IndyCar, he’s optimistic about leveraging his NXT experience to hit the ground running.
“I feel very confident in my feedback and knowing what I need out of a race car,” he said. “Obviously, it’s a step, but the Indy NXT car and the IndyCar are similar in some ways, and I’m excited to pull from that experience.”
With raw talent, a humble attitude, and a determination to grow, Jacob Abel’s rookie season could mark the start of a new era for both himself and Dale Coyne Racing. As he takes his first steps in the world of IndyCar, all eyes will be on the young driver to see if he can live up to the promise he’s shown so far.
