Jagger Jones just completed a storybook ending for his 2024 campaign.
The third generation driver took home the P3 championship in IMSA’s VP Racing Fuels SportsCar Championship, dominating almost every race he competed in this year.
To put in perspective, Jones won all but two races on his way to the season title with Fast MD Racing by Remstar, debuting late at St. Petersburg.
Obviously, Jones has the lineage, but the talent that he brings to the track is unparalleled, even earning a chance to run in IndyNXT this season.
2025 is shaping up to be a big year for the 22-year-old and there may be many doors calling for him to join.
Option 1: Stay In The VP SportsCar Challenge
This seems like a more unlikely option for Jones given his dominance he had in the series in 2024, but due to the chance of repeating titles and the expansion to GT3 cars within the series, there is a possibility he could return.
As any competitor would, getting a chance to defend your title is something that is noteworthy and with the VP Racing Fuels SportsCar Challenge in its early years, going back-to-back may be something that Jagger would look for.
Also, the addition of the GT3 cars in the series, the VP Racing Fuels SportsCar Challenge will be one of the more intriguing developmental series next year.
Adding another class to the series may give Jones some more experience with dealing with race traffic in IMSA with a larger field.
While these are all real reasons that could lead to Jagger’s holding still in the series, it seems as though their would be some major opportunities ahead from teams higher ahead.
Option 2: Move To A Higher Series
Logically, this seems like the ideal move if Jones decides to stay in IMSA, but moving up to the Michelin Pilot Challenge or the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship could be the way to go.
The one problem about the Michelin Pilot Challenge is the lack of prototypes in the series which could shy him away if his focus is in the prototype class. But even then, the Michelin Pilot Challenge provides high-level racing with a glimpse of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
An LMP2 opportunity may be the best move for Jones though if prototype racing is his thing. Ideally, he could run a similar schedule to Connor Zilisch by running an Endurance Cup schedule and compete in other IMSA series (although, Zilisch primarily has been running NASCAR).
Running an Endurance Cup schedule allows Jones to get the experience at the top series while still competing full-time in another. It could be the best of both worlds for Jones.
But if the move for young driver is to move up in IMSA, this is the most likely scenario that we will see for him in 2025.
Option #3: Compete in IndyNXT
This may be the most fascinating option amongst the three, but competing in IndyNXT may be a very realistic opportunity for Jones if he decides to shift away from sportscars ang go back to open-wheel racing.
Last year, Jagger Jones competed a full-season in IndyNXT, finishing a career high 2nd at Detroit. It didn’t go the way Jones wanted, finishing outside the Top 10 in all but four races, but given his lineage, open-wheel racing is in his blood.
Jones is the grandson of Indy 500 winner Parnelli Jones and son of Rolex 24 winner PJ Jones. Obviously, growing up around the aura of his grandfather can definitely sway the trajectory of what discipline he wants to race in, but IndyNXT is definitely option.
Now with IndyCar’s new TV deal and the chance for more buisness opportunities ahead for IndyNXT, it may be a good brand move for Jones to head back to IndyNXT.
Also after a successful campaign in IMSA, it may give him some confidence when heading back to IndyNXT which could help build him into a contender.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Jagger Jones is a fascinating young driver and the opportunities seem to be endless.
Between Jones and fellow champion in the GSX class Luca Mars, IMSA’s new breed of drivers adds excitement for this next wave of drivers coming up with sport.
There are many talented drivers but Mars and Jones showcase the talent level that these drivers have, some of whom have only competed for a few years.
IMSA and its fans should be keeping an eye on Jagger Jones and what’s next as he continues to his family’s legacy.