Leeds, Ala. – Abel Motorsports and driver, Jacob Abel, had a strong start to the 2021 Indy Pro 2000 Championship capturing a fifth-place finish in Race 2.
The weekend at Barber Motorsports Park got off to a great start for Abel and the No. 51 Abel Construction/Crosley Brands machine, as the 20-year-old was right on pace with the leaders in qualifying. Abel qualified ninth for Race 1 and was eager to move up the field. On the opening lap, Abel got a great start and was moving forward when he was unfortunately struck from behind sending him spinning. Jacob was able to regain control of the car and began his march back to the front where he wound up finishing in eighth position.
Race 2 saw the Louisville, KY native starting from the seventh position and once again getting a great start. Jacob was able to get around two drivers putting him into fifth. From there Abel continued to hit his marks and drive at a consistent pace holding off a charge from sixth place to finish in the fifth position.
Abel was happy with the team’s performance all weekend, especially after the struggles they faced during Spring Training.
“We definitely struggled a little bit in spring training and in the early test sessions this weekend with a new team, new engineer, new mechanics and all of that. We definitely had our growing pains there at the beginning, but to come away with a couple of good top-10 runs, is a win for us. We met our goals and are looking forward to building on that in the future. We still have a lot of potential as a team, just based on how much we grew this weekend alone. I am definitely looking forward to the races ahead and the rest of the season, I think this was a very good start,” said Abel.
Abel Motorsports and Jacob Abel head into the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg sitting tied for fifth in the championship hunt and will be looking to build on the team’s previous success at the track including a pair of race wins in 2019 with Parker Thompson.
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About Abel Motorsports: Based in Speedway Indiana, Abel Motorsports has been a part of the racing industry since the team’s inception in 2009. With roots in motocross and supercross, Abel Motorsports including team Principal, Bill Abel, has been competing since 1972. Abel Motorsports is now on to the third generation with Jacob Abel being the flagship driver for the team. The team was able to capture the inaugural F3 Americas Championship in 2018, and currently competes on INDYCAR’s Road to Indy, competing in the Indy Pro 2000 Presented by Cooper Tires Championship. For more information visit the official team website at: www.abelmotorsports.com