Jagger Jones, the grandson of racing legend Parnelli Jones and son of IndyCar and IMSA champion PJ Jones, emerged as a standout talent in IMSA’s developmental ranks during the 2024 season. Competing in the VP Racing Challenge series for FastMD Racing with Remstar, Jones dominated in the No. 87 Duqueine D08 LMP3, securing a season-high eight wins and seven poles in 10 races. Despite joining the championship late, Jones propelled his team to a Teams’ Championship and clinched second in the drivers’ standings, a feat that underscores his adaptability and potential in endurance racing.
From Uncertainty to Success
Jones’ entry into IMSA was unexpected. Without a racing program at the start of the year, a last-minute call from FastMD Racing ahead of the season’s second weekend at St. Petersburg changed everything.
“Two weeks before the second weekend for the VP Challenge series in March, I had no racing plans,” Jones explained. “FastMD had a driver fall through and called me. I knew I had to go out and win, and I did—won both races at St. Pete, and it led to doing the next two races at Mid-Ohio. Won both of those races, and they invited me to do the full season.”
This late start didn’t deter Jones. His performances, including a string of dominant victories, showcased his knack for quickly mastering new challenges.
Versatility Behind the Wheel
Jones attributes his success in prototypes to his diverse racing background, which spans open-wheel, stock car, and off-road disciplines. Like his father before him, he’s proven adept at adapting to different vehicles and conditions.
“I’ve driven a variety of cars, from stock cars to off-road stuff; a bit of everything, and I think I’ve been able to adapt well to new vehicles,” Jones said. “The prototype fits my driving style really well.”
His ability to switch seamlessly into the LMP3 car—winning from his very first outing—reinforces his natural talent and versatility.
Lessons Learned and Eyes on the Future
Jones used his rookie IMSA season to sharpen critical racing skills. Beyond raw speed, he developed race management strategies and improved his ability to navigate traffic, key skills for higher levels of endurance racing.
“What I learned the most this year is how to control races, how to push when you need to, maybe conserve a bit when you have a lead, and how to take the checkered flags,” Jones reflected. “I learned how to win a race by three seconds instead of by 20 seconds and that you don’t have to take the risk when it’s not needed.”
Jones believes these lessons will serve him well as he aims to secure a spot in IMSA’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, where he hopes to compete at the pinnacle of North American sports car racing.
A Promising Career Path
Jagger Jones’ remarkable 2024 season places him among the brightest young talents in endurance racing. With his proven ability to adapt, control races, and thrive under pressure, he’s poised to follow in his family’s illustrious racing footsteps. As he seeks opportunities in IMSA’s top-tier series, fans and teams alike will be watching closely.
Will Jagger Jones become the next big name in endurance racing? If his record-breaking 2024 season is any indication, the answer seems all but certain.
