Jacob Abel returns to Indy 500 with family team by his side
Jacob Abel is back at the Indianapolis 500 after being bumped from the starting field last year as a rookie, but this time the journey means even more.
For the first time in the IndyCar Series, Abel is competing alongside his father, Bill Abel, and Abel Motorsports — making this year’s attempt a true family affair.
Jacob said returning with the team that has been such a big part of his career has made the experience feel different this time around.
“It’s been a team that I worked with for a very long time,” Abel said. “Obviously, I took a year off in the past year. And now to come back again, it’s all about that. My whole career has been very tough and a very stressful experience like this. So, yeah, definitely a lot better.”
While Jacob may feel more comfortable, his father admits the nerves have not gone away.
“He’s been doing this a long time, but yes, I still get nervous, especially here,” said Bill Abel, owner of Abel Motorsports. “You know the speed. He’s in a good car and all those sorts of things. But yeah, as a parent, certainly you get nervous. But we’re always looking for more speed to try to get more on the car.”
With only 33 entries in this year’s race, Jacob Abel is currently on track to make his Indy 500 debut.
For Jacob, the chance to race in the event is about more than competition.
“It’s the biggest race in the world,” he said. “It’s so spectacular. And the fans here, the culture around it, the history, all of that makes it incredible. It’s always really unlike anything else.”
Bill Abel said the emotion surrounding the Indy 500 reminds him of another iconic event close to home.
“Being from Louisville, Kentucky, we have our own special race,” he said. “The emotions that go into the Kentucky Derby are no different than the emotions and the history and everything that’s involved with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy 500. It’s just super special.”
He added that being part of the tradition is something meaningful for the entire team.
“I’ve kind of grown up around racing and around this race with a good friend of mine, so just to be a part of it is really cool,” Bill said. “The tradition — it’s just special for sure.”
Practice is wrapping up this week ahead of qualifying this weekend, with the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 set for Sunday, May 24.
