By: Spencer Neff
May 15, 2023

Continuing our look at the Indy-Only teams for this year’s 107th Indianapolis 500 presented By Gainbridge, today, we look at Abel Motorsports. Although hardly new to motorsports or even open-wheel racing within the INDYCAR community, the organization will look to make their NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut at the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.

Starting in 2017 with Team Owner Bill’s son Jacob Abel participating in what is now known as the USFPro Ladder (formerly Road to Indy).

Last year, as Jacob entered his first INDY NXT By Firestone (formerly Indy lights) season, Abel Motorsports expanded to a second entry, with Antonio Serravalle, Ryan Phinny and Flinn Lazier (son of 1996 Indianapolis 500 winner Buddy) all driving for them during the year.

At the 2023 opener in St. Petersburg, Jacob led the most laps and finished third, Abel Motorsports’ first podium in the series. It was also the first time he led a lap in the series. This year, he is teamed with Colin Kaminsky, who has a best finish of sixth at Barber on April 30.

On April 15, the team announced plans to enter their first Indianapolis 500.

RC Enerson

RC Enerson was announced by Abel Motorsports as the driver of their No. 50 entry for their first “500” entry. The native of New Port Richey, Florida, Enerson has five NTT INDYCAR SERIES starts to his name. His lone attempt at the Indianapolis 500 ended with a DNQ for Top Gun Racing in 2021.

Later that season, Enerson and Top Gun did qualify for their first race that summer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in August. This is Enerson’s last start in the series to date.

“I can’t thank Bill and John enough for this opportunity to be back at the 500, Enerson noted in the April 15 release. 

“This entry has been a work in progress for many months now. This Abel Motorsports crew is top-notch and loaded with experience. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of an IndyCar at IMS.”

Although it is their first foray into the series and the race itself, Abel Motorsports does have not only their team’s collective experience to lean on but that of their manager, John Brunner.

Brunner previously managed Belardi Auto Racing, a team who twice won the Freedom 100, Indy Lights’ former race on the IMS Oval, in 2013 and 2014. During the latter year, driver Gabby Chaves went on to win the Indy Lights Championship and was named Rookie of the Year for the Indianapolis 500 and INDYCAR in 2015.

“I’ve had a long- standing relationship with RC and the Enerson Family for more than a decade,” Brunner noted in the announcement.

“I am confident in RC’s ability and know we can give him a competitive car. The team has done a great job for months preparing the primary 500 car while not losing focus on our INDY NXT programs. We look forward to testing to be fully prepared on May 16th for the opening day of Indy 500 practice. Thanks to INDYCAR and Chevrolet for their efforts.”

Team Owner Bill Abel expressed his anticipation for the entry.

“Our team is excited to be an entry in the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 with RC Enerson as our driver,” Abel expressed.

“We are fortunate to have great people on our race team that make things like this possible. I know that (team manager) John (Brunner) and everyone on the team has been working hard to prepare for this opportunity. We will take it one step at a time, laser-focused on preparing.”

Header Image By Abel Motorsports/Twitter