Sports · Motorsport · 1 hr ago
Niels Koolen joins Abel Motorsports for 2027 Indy NXT season
Dutch driver Niels Koolen will race for Abel Motorsports in 2027 in Indy NXT, the series below IndyCar.
The 25-year-old is joining after two seasons with Chip Ganassi Racing in the developmental series.
Koolen had two top-five finishes this past season, with a best result of fourth at World Wide Technology Raceway.
His preparations start at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on October 16, followed by a test at Barber Motorsports Park on November 9.
Over the winter, he will also compete in the Asian Le Mans Series in the LMP2 category, adding more time on track.
The move gives Koolen a new team for his next Indy NXT campaign, and Abel says it believes it can help him develop as a driver.
The sources do not give the date of the 2027 season opener.
Niels Koolen will join Abel Motorsports for the 2027 Indy NXT season.
The 25-year-old Dutch driver moves to the team after two years with Chip Ganassi Racing in Indy NXT.
Koolen recorded two top-five finishes in the past season, including fourth at World Wide Technology Raceway.
His preparations begin with a test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on October 16, followed by a test at Barber Motorsports Park on November 9.
He will also compete in the Asian Le Mans Series during the winter to gain track time.
- Who
- Niels Koolen, a 25-year-old Dutch driver, will join Abel Motorsports.
- What
- He will race for the team in the 2027 Indy NXT season.
- When
- The move is for the 2027 season. Preparations begin October 16.
- Where
- Indy NXT; the first test is at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
- Why
- The team said it sees areas where it can help Koolen develop. Koolen plans to gain track time ahead of the season.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Koolen raced for Chip Ganassi Racing in Indy NXT.
Koolen recorded two top-five finishes, including a fourth-place finish at World Wide Technology Raceway.
Koolen is scheduled to begin preparations at the Chris Griffis Memorial test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
An additional test session is scheduled at Barber Motorsports Park.
Koolen is set to join Abel Motorsports in Indy NXT.
- Driver
- Niels Koolen, 25
- Team
- Abel Motorsports
- Series and season
- Indy NXT, 2027
- Previous team
- Chip Ganassi Racing, for the past two years
- First scheduled test
- October 16, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
What people are saying
I’m very happy to join Abel Motorsports for 2027
We’re very excited to have Niels join our team here at Abel Motorsports for the 2027 season, we have been watching Niels continue to mature and grow behind the wheel and think there are some areas where we can help so we are looking forward to what we can do together next season.
Sources
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