Niels Koolen Joined Abel Motorsports for 2027

The 25-year-old racer moves to Abel Motorsports following a two-year stint with Chip Ganassi Racing.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Motorsports

Niels Koolen Joined Abel Motorsports for 2027

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Niels Koolen has signed with Abel Motorsports to compete in the 2027 Indy NXT season. The 25-year-old driver moves to the team after spending the previous two years racing with Chip Ganassi Racing.

Why it matters

This roster move secures a driver with recent Indy NXT experience for Abel Motorsports as they prepare for the upcoming 2027 campaign. Koolen brings a track record that includes two top-five finishes during his last season of competition.

Koolen, 25, recorded two top-five finishes last season, including a career-high fourth place finish at World Wide Technology Raceway.

The players

Niels Koolen

Niels Koolen is a 25-year-old race car driver who has previously competed under Chip Ganassi Racing.

Abel Motorsports

Abel Motorsports is a competitive racing team participating in the Indy NXT series.

Chip Ganassi Racing

Chip Ganassi Racing is a professional motorsports organization that manages teams across various racing series.

The details

Koolen is scheduled to begin his integration with the team through upcoming testing sessions at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Barber Motorsports Park. Before the Indy NXT season starts, he is also set to participate in the LMP2 category of the Asian Le Mans Series.

October 16, 2026: Chris Griffis Memorial test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
November 9, 2026: Test session at Barber Motorsports Park.
2027: Indy NXT racing season.

Season Trajectory

Koolen’s addition to Abel Motorsports marks a strategic effort to build on the performance standards established during the 2026 Indy NXT racing season. This move reshapes the competitive balance of the grid as teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming year.

Koolen’s move to Abel Motorsports will necessitate adjustments to team rotation and preparation strategies for the 2027 season. Fans can track his performance development during the off-season winter series in the LMP2 category.

The takeaway

Driver continuity remains a key factor for teams looking to improve their standing in the Indy NXT series. Developing consistency in performance across different track environments is essential for rising drivers aiming for future advancement.