American Jacob Abel to make international debut in NZ

Indy NXT racer Jacob Abel will make his international debut in the Toyota Formula Regional Oceania series.

The 21-year-old comes with a wealth of experience in his open-wheel career, having progressed up the Road To Indy ladder from USF2000 to Indy Pro 2000 and into Indy Lights, as well as competing in both Formula 4 United States and Formula 3 Americas.

"Ultimately for me the goal is Indycar and the Indy 500 but I see the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship as a great stepping stone on that journey to learn and develop my skills," said Abel.

"I’m looking forward to gaining experience in a new car and particularly on some new tracks and of course I’m going to be aiming for wins and podiums.”

Abel will join his old stable Kiwi Motorsport for the 2023 season.

“We are excited to have Jacob join us for the New Zealand championship in 2023," said team boss Garry Orton.

"We have actually known him since 2017 when we first set up in the States and have watched him progress up the ladder with great success.”

The Toyota Racing Series will this year run under the Formula Regional Oceania banner, with the significantly increased haul of FIA Super Licence points proving a drawcard for international drivers.

Abel, from Louisville, Kentucky, is the fourth American on the grid, joining Ryan Shehan, David Morales, and Chloe Chambers.

The 2023 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship kicks off 13-15 January at Highlands Motorsport Park.