Abel Motorsports confirmed Friday morning the previously reported news that it will be contesting this year’s Indianapolis 500 on May 28, making for 34 cars attempting to qualify for 33 positions.
The entry will be the team’s first foray into IndyCar, after having built a program through multiple seasons in IndyCar NXT and IndyCar’s other feeder series.
RC Enerson will drive the Chevrolet-powered entry, and will be entering his seventh ever IndyCar race in the process.
Enerson attempted to qualify for the 2021 Indy 500 with Top Gun Racing, but was bumped out in qualifying and was not able to take part in the race itself.
“We’ve always envisioned the opportunity to enhance our position in the business world by leveraging the unique intersection that racing has with our brand,” said Bill Abel, CEO of ABEL Construction Company.
“I can’t think of a better way of bringing that to life with our many customers, partners and associates than showcasing what we can do right here at 16th & Georgetown in Speedway. I’m just so thankful of this opportunity.”
Also part of the press release is the detail that the team is considering a full time entry in the premiere series for the 2024 season.
There would be a lot of coordination that would need to happen for the current Indy NXT competitors to organize a full season for next year, but more unlikely deals have certainly come together in the past.
One of the biggest hurdles will be finding an available engine lease, as both Honda and Chevrolet are near capacity with this season’s 27 full time entries.
The first challenge for the team will be this year’s Indy 500, however, as the team was not ready enough to be able to take part in this week’s open test.
First practice sessions for the 107th running of the big event is scheduled for the week of May 15.
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