INDY NXT by Firestone veteran Jacob Abel will be back behind the wheel of the No. 51 Abel Motorsports car for another shot at the INDY NXT championship in 2024.

Abel, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, produced a breakout season in 2023, his second in the INDYCAR development series. He finished a career-best fifth in the standings, just 18 points out of third place. He also earned his first pole position, at Iowa Speedway, and recorded four podium finishes and eight top-five finishes.

“I’m really looking forward to returning for a third season of INDY NXT by Firestone in 2024.” Abel said. “2023 was a big year of growth for our team and me personally, and I’m excited to carry that momentum into the 2024 season.”

Abel, 22, becomes the second driver announced for Abel Motorsports for the 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone season alongside series rookie Yuven Sundaramoorthy as the team looks to expand to a full-season multicar effort.

“We had lots of highs in the 2023 season.” Abel said. “We fought for wins at multiple different races throughout the season but were never able to end up on the top step for one reason or another. 2024 will be all about putting everything we’ve learned from the past couple of years together to hopefully contend for the championship.”

Next up for Abel and the Abel Motorsports team is the final test of 2023 on Nov. 13 at Barber Motorsports Park.