Ed Jones is poised to enter at least three IndyCar races in 2017 after winning the Indy Lights series title on Sunday at Laguna Seca and a $1 million Mazda scholarship.
Jones entered the double-header weekend at Laguna Seca trailing title rival Santiago Urrutia by a single point before a second-place finish on Saturday saw him move seven points clear.
Jones started Sunday's season finale from pole position, but lost the lead when Zach Veach swept through at Turn 3. Jones bailed out of defending his position, only to lose three more places.
With Urrutia running second and Jones P5, the title rivals were tied on points as the laps counted down. If neither changed position, Urrutia would win the title on countback.
Veach dominated the race to cross the line first ahead of Urrutia and Kyle Kaiser, but further back, Jones had been given the chance to make the title-winning move. Carlin teammate Felix Serralles opted to ease off on the final lap and allow the Briton to pass, leaving Jones to finish fourth and seal the title by two points.
"It’s an incredible feeling right now. It’s really a dream come true to know that I’ll be driving an Indy car next year," Jones said.
"There’s been so much hard work and we really deserve this championship. It’s only the second year in America for myself and for the Carlin team, so to win this means so much.
"I’m so happy to have this opportunity and to be able to show what I’m made of."
With the $1 million Mazda scholarship, Jones is ensured an entry to at least three IndyCar races in 2017 including the Indianapolis 500.
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