MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Gone for one season, but certainly not forgotten, Ed Jones’ patience has paid off with a return to the NTT IndyCar Series with Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser Sullivan.
The Dubai native was announced Wednesday morning as the driver of the No. 18 Honda, previously driven by Sebastien Bourdais from 2017-19 and Santino Ferrucci in 2020.
SealMaster returns for the fourth-straight season as the entrant sponsor.
“I’m really excited to join the Coyne Vasser Sullivan team for the 2021 NTT IndyCar season,” Jones said. “I started my IndyCar career with Dale, Jimmy and Sulli have had much success as owners together, and the combination of Coyne, Vasser Sullivan is a proven team over the last 3 seasons. I’m pumped for the opportunity to drive the #18 SealMaster machine and represent the SealMaster franchisees across the country, this really is the perfect opportunity.”
Jones was unable to compete in the United States last year because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. He as the IndyCar rookie of the year in 2017 and finished third in the 101st Indianapolis 500 as a rookie but missed out on the rookie of the year award at Indy to Fernando Alonso of Formula One, who finished 24th.
He drove for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2018 and was the street and road course driver in the No. 20 Chevrolet for Ed Carpenter Racing in 2019.
“We’re very happy to have Ed Jones back with us,” team owner Dale Coyne said. “We were sad to see him leave after his first time with us, but we’ve kept in touch since. Ed had a great rookie season at DCR in 2017, which included our best finish of third at the Indianapolis 500. We hope to continue where we left off with him and look forward to a strong season.”
Jones was also the 2016 Indy Lights champion. Jones has made 47 IndyCar starts earning 14 top-10 finishes including three podium performances, the third at Indy in 2017, and third at Long Beach and Detroit Race 2 in 2018.
The 25-year-old was born in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (of British citizenship) and currently resides in Miami, Fla.
“We’re full steam ahead having Ed Jones join us and taking over the driver responsibilities for the No. 18 Team SealMaster machine,” said team co-owner James “Sulli” Sullivan. “Ed has had some big moments in IndyCar, and we expect you’ll see some big moments with us together in 2021.”
The status of the No. 19 entry, previously driven by Alex Palou last season, has not been determined by Dale Coyne Racing.