Dubai-based driver Ed Jones earned a Mazda Scholarship valued at $1 million to assist the Indy Lights champion in graduating to the IndyCar Series in 2017, will be held on September 9-11 at Raceway Laguna Seca.

Jones sealed the title after a thrilling end to the season saw him see off Santiago Urrutia in second place by just two points.

The Jebel Ali Resorts and Hotels-Carlin team also secured the team championship on the back of Jones’ victory by a 29 point margin.

It was a remarkable result for Jones in Monterey, California, which will now see him step up to the big leagues on the IndyCar race scene next year.

“It’s an incredible feeling right now,” said Jones. “It’s really a dream come true to know that I’ll be driving an Indy car next year.

“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.”