Louisville, Ky. - The Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda, part of the official Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires ladder system, is full of tough teams and accomplished young drivers. USF2000 rookie Jacob Abel and his Abel Motorsports team are looking more and more as though they are ready to take their place among the series’ top squads, as USF2000 prepares for its annual visit to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, on July 28-30.
On day one of the Series’ official pre-race test last week, Jacob Abel and his No. 79 Abel Motorsports entry posted the day’s third fastest time, with more than twenty cars turning laps on the day. Team principal Bill Abel noted, “It was a good day. This team is learning and improving all the time. “
On day two, Jacob and Abel Motorsports improved even more, running solidly in the top quarter of the 24-car field. And in the day’s last session, Jacob Abel posted the quickest lap, a 1:21:78. Overall, Jacob posted the sixth-best time of the two-day test. “It was pretty awesome. Really impressive. We’ve been to this track a lot, and experience here makes a difference. We’re going to focus now on the race weekend and prepare, try to have the same results” noted the 17-year-old.
Abel Motorsports race engineer Ian Brown liked what he saw in the test. “Jacob’s the real deal. You can see things coming together. So much happens so quickly in his growth as a driver. Jacob’s just starting to show the talent he’s got.”
Jacob Abel made his USF2000 driving debut at Mid-Ohio exactly a year ago, running well and picking up valuable experience. It’s the team’s home track, the place where they have the most laps. They’ve had success there too in another open-wheel development series. And now they look ready to contend for podium spots when the first of the weekend’s three races goes green on Friday afternoon.
Team Principal Bill Abel says the test was “a huge success. Really good. Everything we planned worked out well. Now, we want to continue that through to race weekend. I’m cautiously optimistic.”
Jacob Abel, Abel Motorsports, and their No. 79 car return to the track for the triple-header USF2000 weekend starting July 27 at Mid-Ohio.