Four cars complete over 300 laps in two-days of testing for ABEL Motorsports
Jacob Abel tops INDY NXT testing on day one
Speedway, Ind. (January 21, 2025) – The 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone season has arrived for ABEL Motorsports as the team completed a two-day test at the legendary Sebring International Raceway ahead of round one on March 2nd.
For Callum Hedge, the trip to Sebring brought back less than stellar memories as the young New Zealander suffered an appendicitis during this test in 2024, that did not allow him to turn a lap at the iconic track.
“This was a new track for me, so it was good to actually get on track and be able to turn some laps instead of sitting in a hospital room,” joked Callum Hedge.
While this was his first outing on the 1.67 mile road course, Hedge wasted no time in learning the circuit and getting up to speed.
“Day one in the car was all about learning the track, and how it fits with the INDY NXT car, and day two was all about speed. I think we found some things that we can carry over to our street-course package that will make us quite competitive, but for me it’s all about learning where I didn’t have pace in 2024, why, and how to fix it. A huge piece of that is just better understanding the Firestone tires and how to maximize them, but I think if we keep on like we are we will be a threat come March 2nd,” Exclaimed Hedge.
For the Joliet Illinois driver, Jordan Missig, testing at Sebring provides him the chance to further that connection with his ABEL Motorsports crew and build a stronger rapport with new lead engineer, Phil Arscott.
“It was great to get back in the car, and I know everyone says that, but it truly was great to get back to what we do,” said Jordan Missig.
With a full-season campaign ahead of him, Missig was eager to see where he and the No. 48 stack up amongst the other full-season entries.
“Sebring really gives us that first chance to see the competition we will have throughout the season, and where we initially measure up. We showed some promise with the times we were able to put in, but also I think learned where I need to be better, and where we as a unit can improve. The biggest thing is just respecting this car, and the power it has especially when you add the bumps Sebring has into that mix.”
“If we can put everything together and continue to improve on a consistent basis we will be in a great spot come St. Petersburg,” exclaimed Missig.
Series sophomore, Myles Rowe, went into the Sebring test with his sights set on picking up right where he and his ABEL Motorsports with Force Indy team left off, and continue building their notebook up ahead of round one.
“First time back in the car always feels like the first time, just excitement. Even more so being at Sebring, which will wake you up as you drive over each bump! It’s always great to be back with my ABEL Motorsports family, it really is like seeing your aunts, uncles, etc. each time. They’re just so excited to see us (drivers) and we’re excited to see them,” said Myles Rowe.
The uniqueness of the Sebring layout and track surface makes it the ideal candidate for teams and drivers that are looking to improve their street-course setups, often leading to drivers either really enjoying the circuit or not wanting to return to it.
“I love Sebring, and the bumps, it really reminds me of driving on a true street-course, which are my favorite tracks we visit so just great to be back. We had a list of test items we wanted to get through, and I think we’ve really landed on a philosophy for St. Petersburg that will work well for us, I just can’t wait to get the season going,” said Rowe.
2025 testing continues on February 5th and 6th at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterrey California, ahead of round 1 at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Keep up with all of the testing action by following @abelmotorsports on social media or by visiting www.abelmotorsports.com . The 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone season kicks off on Sunday March 2nd live on Fox Sports 1 starting at 10:00am ET.