107th Indianapolis 500 Gets 34th Entry, Ensuring A ‘Bump Day’ In 2023

Chevrolet decided to increase its IndyCar engine capacity for the 107^thIndianapolis 500, and that has allowed a 34^th entry for the Memorial Day Sunday speed classic on May 28.

It also means “Bump Day” will return in 2023 for the first time since 2021. Last year, there were 33 cars entered in the 33-car starting lineup.

The 34^th entry is ABEL Motorsports, a team that will field RC Enerson, a 26-year-old from Florida who is the Chief Driving Instructor for the Lucas Oil School of Racing.

The 34^th entry was announced Friday in Indianapolis. Bill Abel is the team owner and John Brunner is team manager.

“I can’t thank Bill and John enough for this opportunity to be back at the 500,” Enerson said. “It has been in the works for many months, the ABEL Motorsports crew is top-notch and loaded with experience well beyond my years.

“I’m honored to carry the banner for the organization during the Month of May and while it’s going to be a few more weeks until we go on-track, I expect we’ll be up to speed quickly at the Speedway.

“I’m just so looking forward to climbing behind the wheel of an NTT IndyCar machine at IMS once again, so cool.”

Enerson, who led the INDY
INDY
NXT
XT
by Firestone oval points during his only season full-time competition, has made five previous NTT IndyCar starts.

The team’s race shop is in downtown Speedway, Indiana, in the shadows of the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Founded in Louisville, Ky., ABEL Motorsports was built and the ABEL Construction Company and has been a mainstay of the NTT IndyCar Series ladder system for years, most recently expanding to the INDY NXT Series in 2022.

“We’ve always envisioned the opportunity to enhance our position in the business world by leveraging the unique intersection that racing has with our brand,” said Bill Abel, CEO of ABEL Construction Company. “I can’t think of a better way of bringing that to life with our many customers, partners and associates than showcasing what we can do right here at 16th & Georgetown in Speedway. I’m just so thankful of this opportunity.”

ABEL Motorsports is comprised of veteran NTT IndyCar engineers and crew, that began preparing the No. 50 entry for Enerson in early January with a focus on kicking off the month of May in strong fashion when official practice begins on the 16th.

“It’s going to be a thrill watching RC pilot the No. 50 Chevy around the Speedway and we believe it sets a very positive tone of what’s to come for ABEL Motorsports in the future,” said John Brunner, Team Manager. “As has been speculated, we are evaluating a full-time entry for the 2024 IndyCar Season and our group is committed to building the foundation needed for sustainable long-term success in motorsports.

“A huge thanks to IndyCar and Chevrolet for their efforts in making this happen.”