The motorsports world is abuzz with the news that Jacob Abel, the 2026 Indy NXT by Firestone Vice Champion, will make his return to the series with Abel Motorsports for Round 14 at Portland International Raceway. This announcement comes on the heels of Jordan Missig’s decision to sit out the remainder of the season following a crash at Nashville Superspeedway.
Abel’s return to the Indy NXT series is highly anticipated, as he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the #48 Dallara entry. The 25-year-old Kentucky native has established himself as a formidable contender in the series, with three wins, four pole positions, and 14 podium finishes to his name.
Abel’s Familiar Territory: Portland International Raceway
Portland International Raceway holds a special place in Abel’s career, as it was the site of his most recent victory during his landmark 2026 vice-championship campaign. The 1.964-mile, 12-turn natural road course provides both driver and engineering crew with a proven baseline as they prepare for the weekend.
The track’s unique layout, featuring a mix of high-speed straights and technical corners, has always been a strong suit for Abel. His familiarity with the circuit is expected to give him a significant advantage as he reacquaints himself with the Dallara IL-15 chassis.
Abel Motorsports: A Legacy of Success
Abel Motorsports, a family-run team with a rich history in motorsports, is thrilled to welcome Jacob Abel back to the fold. The team, founded by Bill Abel, has been a dominant force in the Indy NXT series, capturing three wins, three pole positions, and 12 podiums in the 2026 season alone.
The team’s success can be attributed to their meticulous preparation and strong driver development program. With Abel’s return, they aim to leverage his past success in Oregon to challenge for top honors and place the No. 48 entry squarely back in contention at the front of the field.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Victory
As the team gears up for the race weekend, they will focus on optimizing car balance and getting up to competitive speed rapidly. With a compressed race weekend schedule allowing little time for adjustment, Abel’s previous experience and existing rapport with the crew will be invaluable.
Track activity at Portland International Raceway kicks off on Friday morning, leading into Saturday’s high-stakes qualifying and the main event on Sunday. Fans can catch all the action live on FOX Sports 2 and FOX Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 11:00am PDT on Sunday.
As the motorsports community eagerly awaits the showdown at Portland International Raceway, all eyes will be on Jacob Abel and Abel Motorsports. With his impressive career statistics and the team’s legacy of success, they are poised to make a significant impact in the Indy NXT series once again.
