BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Ed Jones recaptured the form that took him to three pole positions a year ago in Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, claiming the first spot in this morning’s qualifying session at Barber Motorsports Park.

Jones’ lap of 1 minute, 12.6738 seconds (113.934 mph) in the No. 11 Jebel Ali Resorts and Hotels Dallara IL-15 puts the Carlin driver at the front of the field this afternoon for the first of two Legacy 100 races on the weekend. Jones edged Zachary Claman De Melo (No. 13 Juncos Racing) by 0.1734 of a second for the honors, although Claman De Melo's car failed post-qualifying inspection so he will start the race from the rear of the 17-car field.

“We knew coming in this weekend that getting the pole was so important with the history of the races here,” said Jones, in his second Indy Lights season with Carlin. “We started out not so good yesterday in practice, but we worked really hard and got it today. I’m looking forward to the race.”

With Claman De Melo's penalty, Dean Stoneman (1:12.8564) will start alongside Jones on Row 1. Belardi Auto Racing’s Felix Rosenqvist (1:12.9082) and Schmidt Peterson Motorsports with Curb-Agajanian's RC Enerson (1:12.9750) comprise Row 2. Jones’ teammate at Carlin, Felix Serralles, was penalized for qualifying interference in the session, losing his fast lap, and will start 11th.

Today’s 75-minute race that begins at 1 p.m. ET today, with a 50-minute race slated for 1:20 p.m. ET Sunday. Both will be streamed live on RaceControl.IndyCar.com.

Get to know Indy Lights driver Neil Alberico of Carlin here: