Single-Car Team Looks to Carry the Fight Forward Against Tough Field
Reigning F3 Americas champions Abel Motorsports travel to Pittsburgh International Race Complex this weekend facing a tough challenge. Driver Jacob Abel, a new high school grad, holds the F3 Americas Championship Powered by Honda lead after two weekends of competition in the 2019 season, on the strength of his first two professional victories. Those wins came on the year’s second F3 race weekend in April at Road Atlanta.
“I’m really excited about the Pitt Race weekend,” commented Jacob Abel. “We’ll get a lot of track time. I ran there in the F4 US Championship powered by Honda last season, so I know my way around the place. I’ve got a good confidence level, coming off the two wins at Road Atlanta. We’re not complacent, that’s for sure.”
The 18-year-old is taking major steps forward in his pro racing career in another venue this summer as well. “I’m doing some instructing at Mid-Ohio,” noted Jacob. “It’s a pretty cool summer job, alongside all the racing I’m able to do this year. It all helps, as I work to try to extend my F3Americas points lead. Podiums and race wins are our plan for this weekend. We’re going to Pitt to win, to take steps toward winning the Championship. We won’t settle for less!”
With its single-car effort in F3 Americas, Abel Motorsports is facing an uphill battle on track against the multi-car teams that inhabit much of the paddock. While Jacob Abel won’t have data from any teammates to bolster his efforts at Pitt Race, the rising young star knows the challenge that lies ahead for his team. Abel Motorsports has divided its squad for the weekend, as they’ll also field an entry in another major series at Road America in Wisconsin.
“It’s our tenth anniversary as a race team,” noted Team Principal Bill Abel. “I never would have thought we’d have come this far in that length of time. We’ve added some terrific talent to our group so we can compete for wins at both race tracks this weekend. Larry Nash, our crew chief, and Ian Brown, our lead engineer, will oversee our effort at Pitt Race this weekend. We’re confident of good things happening this week for our team.”
Abel Motorsports and Jacob Abel will race their No. 51 F3 Ligier/Honda in Round 6 of the Championship Saturday afternoon. Rounds 7 and 8 will take place Sunday. Pitt Race is in Beaver Falls, PA, about 45 miles north of Pittsburgh. Jacob Abel holds a one-point lead in the F3 Americas Championship powered by Honda going into the weekend.
