Koolen leaves Ganassi Indy NXT team for Abel

Niels Koolen has left Chip Ganassi Racing’s Indy NXT program after two seasons to join Abel Motorsports’ NXT effort.

The Dutchman spent a partial NXT season with HMD Motorsports in 2024 before shifting to Ganassi where he placed eighth in the championship in 2025 and fell to 15th last season.

“I’m very happy to join Abel Motorsports for 2027,” said Koolen. “I have spent time with Bill (Abel), John (Brunner) and the people at Abel Motorsports and I’m looking forward to working with the team. We start at Indianapolis on October 16 and from there the focus will be on preparing as well as possible for the new season.”

Abel team manager John Brunner hopes to get more from the 25-year-old than he’s shown in NXT.

“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,” Brunner said.