Jacob Abel is determined that his IndyCar tenure will not be remembered as a fleeting, ill-fated cameo. Although 2026 sees the Kentucky native pivot towards endurance racing, his ambition of returning to North America’s premier single-seater championship remains undimmed.
After contesting his rookie IndyCar season in 2025 with Dale Coyne Racing, Abel endured a bruising campaign. A difficult start was compounded by a particularly painful Month of May, culminating in his failure to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. The remainder of the year offered scant respite, with only two finishes inside the top 20.
That performance stood in stark contrast to his outstanding 2024 Indy NXT season, when he secured three victories, ten podiums and three pole positions across 14 rounds, finishing runner-up in the championship. Expectations were understandably high; reality proved rather harsher.
2025 IndyCar vs 2024 Indy NXT
| Season | Series | Wins | Podiums | Poles | Best Finish | Championship Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Indy NXT | 3 | 10 | 3 | 1st (3×) | 2nd |
| 2025 | IndyCar | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11th | Outside Top 20 |
Abel’s finest IndyCar moment came at Iowa Speedway, where he claimed 11th in the second race of the double-header weekend — matching the season-best result of his fellow rookie rival Louis Foster.
For 2026, however, Abel has shifted his focus to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, contesting a full LMP2 campaign with Era Motorsport. It is a pragmatic reset.
“In this sport you can’t look too far ahead,” Abel explained. “Right now, my priority is maximising performance in the LMP2 car every single weekend.”
The move represents both opportunity and recalibration. Endurance racing offers seat time, technical breadth and a platform to rebuild momentum — qualities vital for a 24-year-old seeking to reinforce his reputation.
Yet IndyCar remains his ultimate aspiration. “That’s my first true love,” Abel admitted. “If the opportunity presents itself to go back, I would love to — but it has to be the right situation. One where we can perform and show what I’m capable of.”
There remains a potential wildcard: a one-off entry at Indianapolis with Abel Motorsports, the family-run outfit that supported his junior career. The team last appeared at the Speedway in 2023 with RC Enerson, and while logistical and engine-lease complexities would need to align, Abel has not dismissed the prospect.
For now, the emphasis is on endurance racing excellence. But make no mistake — Abel views IMSA not as an exit ramp, but as a bridge. His IndyCar story, he insists, is unfinished.
