Abel Motorsports confirmed it will make a campaign for the 2017 Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda with two F4 newcomers Jacob Abel of Louisville, Kentucky, and John Andrew Entwistle of Katonah, New York.
.The newest F4 U.S. crew was built from a combination of a second-generation friendship and IndyCar Rookie of the Year Scott Harrington’s Indy Racing League team. Harrington is the childhood friend of Abel Motorsports’ team principal Bill Abel. The Big Three American Motorsport competitor will serve as the team’s driving coach. Parts of Harrington’s former IndyCar crew also made the jump to the formula franchise. Mark Gibbs functions as the team manager and Larry Nash serves as chief engineer.
“My dad and Scott’s dad were friends and we naturally became friends too,” said Bill Abel. “Scott and I used to race motocross together when we were young. About nine years ago, we formed Abel Motorsports to compete in the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association. Scott and his crew have raced all over the world. The knowledge our team has will benefit our drivers on and off the track.”
Jacob Abel filled the first seat for the Louisville-based team. The 16-year-old spent three years competing in karts and was the youngest student to ever to complete The Mid-Ohio School at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
While Entwistle’s car is owned by HellHound Motorsports, he will compete for points under Abel Motorsports. Entwistle’s background vastly differs from that of his teammate. The 19-year-old started competing in trophy truck off-road racing just after he received his driver’s license.
In 2015, Entwistle began racing in the SCCA Mid-States Majors Conference Championship in a Formula Mazda and last season he made the SCCA National Runoffs at Mid-Ohio, finishing second nationally.
“My attitude is a bit more raw and unpolished,” said Entwistle, “but Jacob and my styles actually complement one another. We have a lot that we can learn from each other. I am an adrenaline junkie and love adventure. This season of F4 is definitely going to be an adventure, and I can’t wait to have fun.”
The two rookies will suit-up for their first F4 U.S. Championship race April 8-9 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida. Click here for complete event information.
