Callum Hedge has spent the first two INDY NXT series tests at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway & Barber Motorsports Park with his new ABEL Motorsports crew
In his rookie INDY NXT by Firestone season Callum Hedge captured fourth in the drivers’ championship
Speedway, Ind. (November 25, 2024) – New Zealand’s Callum Hedge joins ABEL Motorsports for 2025 and his sophomore season in INDY NXT by Firestone competition. Hedge will continue to pilot the No. 17 Dallara as the now 21-year-old continues his journey to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
2024 was a year of new for Hedge as he made the jump to the INDY NXT championship after being crowned the champion in both Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and Formula Regional Americas championships.
Callum impressed quickly, racking up eight top tens, five top fives, and his first series podium at the Detroit Grand Prix on his way to fourth in the drivers’ championship.
“I feel incredibly pleased to be joining ABEL Motorsports in INDY NXT for 2025,” said Callum Hedge.
“2024 was a great season for me, and I really feel like I learned a lot about not only the INDY NXT car but the series as a whole. That should make 2025 a bit smoother, only having to focus on extracting the most out of the car as possible.”
As the Kiwi evaluated his options for the 2025 racing season, he knew that INDY NXT was where he wanted to be and after testing with ABEL Motorsports knew that was the team he wanted to be with.
“Coming over to race in INDY NXT after 2023 was a huge step for me, but after winning both the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and the Formula Regional Americas championship I just felt that the time was right to make the move. I wouldn’t be here without the amazing support from The Tony Quinn Foundation, Giltrap Group, Tasman Motorsports Group, and Contract Flooring. They saw something in me and made it happen.”
“Our goal in 2025 is simple: contend for the INDY NXT by Firestone championship. 2024 was a time for learning and growing, but now joining ABEL Motorsports I feel really confident about our chances of being a winner in 2025 and continuing the great lineage of Kiwi’s in the INDYCAR system”
With another new face added to the ABEL Motorsports driver lineup for 2025, Team Principal Bill Abel feels like the pieces are falling into place to set his team up for a very successful 2025 season.
“We are very excited to have Callum join us at ABEL Motorsports for the 2025 INDY NXT season,” said Bill Abel. “The speed that Callum showed last season proves he has what it takes to get the job done.”
Bill Abel first took note of Hedge in 2023 while over in New Zealand, and was impressed with his raw speed right out of the gates.
“I had the opportunity to meet Callum for the first time in 2023 over in New Zealand and was impressed with his skill behind the wheel of a race car, and from that point on always kept tabs on him to watch his progression and see where his career was taking him.”
“Callum’s first season in INDY NXT was great, he really showed some flashes of brilliance, and I think bringing that into what we have going on at ABEL Motorsports will be a great match. There is no reason that Callum can’t compete for podiums, wins, and ultimately the 2025 championship.”
The quest for the 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone championship begins for Hedge and ABEL Motorsports on March 2nd with the series annual trip to the Streets of Downtown St. Petersburg Florida. Keep up with all things ABEL Motorsports by visiting www.abelmotorsports.com or by following @abelmotorsports on social media.
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/.
About The Tony Quinn Foundation: The Tony Quinn Foundation was established in 2021 by businessman Tony Quinn, the owner of Hampton Downs, Highlands and Taupo International Motorsport Parks, with the goal of supporting young Kiwi’s with the talent and determination to make it on the world stage.
The foundation boasts a wealth of well-connected motorsport industry players who have joined Tony as trustees. From supporting grassroots competitors through to financial grants for elite Kiwi drivers competing on the international stage, the TQF is offering support unprecedented in New Zealand motorsport.
About Giltrap Group: The Giltrap Group is proud to be a family-owned New Zealand business. Our mission is to deliver a world-leading customer experience.We love cars, and we are about people. Across the Giltrap Group, we share a common vision to be the best at whatever we do. We believe this is done by working together, taking ownership to do the right thing, and going the extra mile every time.