– INDY NXT Rookie, Max Garcia, gets first taste of Dallara IL-15 while completing over 150 laps during the two-days.
Speedway, Ind. (September 26, 2025) – ABEL Motorsports was back on track for the first time since the conclusion of the 2025 INDY NXT season at the Nashville Superspeedway. Newly signed USF Pro 2000 champion, Max Garcia, was the lone driver testing for ABEL Motorsports gaining his first bit of experience behind the wheel of the number 12 Dallara IL-15.
“It was great making my first laps in the INDY NXT car, the added downforce from what I am used to was crazy to feel. The downforce and the grip that the car and Firestone tires make is next level and really has me excited for what’s to come in 2026,” said the Florida native.
Unfortunately, weather and more specifically rain plagued the first day of testing rendering session one unviable for accurate testing conditions. As the weather cleared up in the afternoon, Garcia got right to work getting accustomed to the bigger and faster INDY NXT machine.
“The first session in the car was all about getting used to a new cockpit, and the power of the car. Once that initial baseline run was over, we got right to work on speed and just getting me exposed to as many different situations in the car as possible,” said the 16-year-old.
Wednesday brought much better weather, and the sun to the 19-turn road course. For Garcia and the ABEL Motorsports team, the beneficial weather meant that they would be turning laps for the majority of the day.
“We managed to run over 100 laps on day two of the test, which was great to just get that amount of seat time and also see the physical demands this car requires. We found some things that worked well for me, and a few things we can improve on when we head to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway next month. Overall, very pleased with my first outing with ABEL Motorsports, and just looking forward to continuing to work with the team and learn all I can.”
Off-season testing ahead of the 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone season rolls on to the iconic, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, for the annual Chris Griffis Memorial test on October 27th. Keep up to date with all things ABEL Motorsports, including driver announcements, by following the team on social media, @abelmotorsports, or by visiting www.abelmotorsports.com
About ABEL Motorsports: ABEL Motorsports Team Principal Bill Abel began racing motocross in 1972, earning numerous championship titles as he continued the family motorsports tradition. In 2015, ABEL Motorsports was launched starting in the USF2000 series and building their way up the junior open-wheel ladder. ABEL Motorsports was able to capture the inaugural Formula Regional Americas Championship with driver Kyle Kirkwood.
Today, ABEL Motorsports is a leading force in the INDY NXT by Firestone Championship, the official development series of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, where the team operates as a multi-car organization focused on the future. 2024 was a breakout season for ABEL Motorsports scoring three wins, three pole positions, and 12 podiums on their way to second in the entrant championship.
Always looking towards the future, ABEL Motorsports made their foray into the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2023 as the team entered the 107th running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the Indianapolis 500 with driver RC Enerson.
About ABEL Construction Company: ABEL Construction is one of the largest general contractors in Kentucky, holding licenses in thirteen states. The company has offices in Lexington, Kentucky and Indianapolis, Indiana, with the corporate office in Louisville. Their expertise spans many areas, including general contracting, construction management, design-build, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and facilities maintenance.
ABEL Construction has helped build some of the region’s most recognizable landmarks. Their projects cover diverse sectors, including automotive, healthcare, post-secondary education, commercial, food/beverage, tech, and industrial/manufacturing. They prioritize client satisfaction, focusing on efficient project delivery regardless of size or cost. The company’s skilled professionals utilize cutting-edge technology and software to ensure successful outcomes. abelconstruct.com/.