After a successful rookie campaign, Ed Jones is set to enter his sophomore year with one of the best teams in the series.

As announced in October, the British driver would join multi-time championship organization Chip Ganassi Racing in 2018.

“I am looking forward to the upcoming season,” Jones told POPULAR OPEN WHEEL. “I have a great opportunity with Chip Ganassi to drive the No. 10 NTT Data car. I am very thankful to be in the position that I am in. I had an up-and-down rookie season, but there were some great moments. I look forward to building on that in 2018.

“I’ve already been at some of the test sessions, watching the team test. I’ve been getting to know the guys and I can’t wait to get to know them. The new car looks great on track, but I know it’s going to be a challenge. I can’t second guess that, but I know I have the right people around me.”

Beyond knowing the type of equipment he will be given, the opportunity for a young driver to work alongside four-time series champion Scott Dixon is virtually priceless.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to work with Scott Dixon,” he said. “I know that I will be leaning on him for advice at times, just like I had the chance to work with Sebastian Bourdais this past year. I’ve already talked to Scott, I look forward to working with him.”

Even just being his second season, Jones know the stakes are high entering the campaign, with excellence being expected with a team of this caliber.

“I want to go out there and win the Indianapolis 500, and the championship,” he stated. “I feel I had a good run at Indianapolis last year, and can make it happen.”

Last year driving for Dale Coyne Racing, Jones was solid with five top-10’s in 17 races, highlighted by a third-place finish in the Indianapolis 500. So it’s no surprise that he is excited to get back to the oval in May, once again. Looking back on the season, he also noted that there wasn’t just a single thing that he learned which stood out, but rather everything together.

“There were so many little things that added up together,” he said. “Moving up from Jr. racing, while it prepares you, it’s so different at the same time. So I have to say the whole year as a together.”

As Jones continues to get more experience under his belt, it would be no surprise to see him in victory lane in 2018, especially considering he’s lived by one piece of advice since he began.

“Listen to whoever will give you advice,” he stated. “From when I started at the bottom, no matter who it is, listen to what they have to say. All kinds of people can offer stuff to help along the way.”

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