Defending Champs Show Speed: 2 Poles, 2 Podiums at Sebring Finale
Eighteen-year-old driving sensation Jacob Abel and his Abel Motorsports F3 Americas team showcased their strength on one of the world’s toughest racetracks this past weekend, earning 2 of 3 poles on their way to 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the season finale F3Americas triple-header at Florida’s Sebring International Raceway. Young Abel was forced to miss two of the season’s six race weekends due to schedule conflicts, but still earned 4thin the year’s final Championship standings.
To add to the impressive performance, Abel looked to be on his way to victory in the weekend’s second race, before a spin led to a DNF. Abel and his #51 Ligier-Honda earned fastest race lap honors in all three rounds on the weekend, further showcasing the team’s progress. “It was great to return to the F3 paddock at Sebring,” said Jacob. “Having the fast lap in all three races is something to build on, but I’m a bit disappointed that we couldn’t win our third race of the season. I had a bit of trouble coming to grips with the standing starts, which are way different than the rolling starts I’ve gotten used to. I gave up spots in all three races and had to work my way back into contention.”
Abel went on to say, “In Race 2, I had just taken the lead going into turn 7, but I missed my marks in the braking zone, went around, and couldn’t refire the car. Otherwise we would have been on the podium in all three races!”
Team Principal Bill Abel was equally excited by the strong weekend results. “It was great to be back with SCCA Pro Racing and Honda in the F3 Americas paddock. We’ve missed two weekends and have run a single-car effort in F3, but we’re proud that we were able to show how good our team is. Two poles, two podiums, and three fastest race laps was outstanding. We’re very excited for Jacob to finish 4thin the Championship, and to have our team finish 3rdin the Team Championship as well.”
While Abel Motorsports’ plans for 2020 are not yet firm, the team has had an outstanding first two years in the F3 Americas Championship powered by Honda, earning the inaugural Championship in 2018 to go with this season’s success.
Announcements concerning the next steps for Jacob Abel and Abel Motorsports are expected in the weeks to come.
