New Zealand IndyCar legend Scott Dixon will bring one of the most successful partnerships in American open-wheel racing to a close at the end of the 2026 season, with Chip Ganassi Racing confirming the six-time champion will leave the team after 25 years.
The announcement ends a remarkable chapter that began in 2002 and has produced six IndyCar championships, 59 race victories and one Indianapolis 500 triumph. While Dixon has yet to reveal where he will race in 2027, he confirmed he intends to remain a full-time IndyCar driver, with Arrow McLaren widely expected to be his next destination.
Chip Ganassi Racing owner Chip Ganassi said the team had hoped Dixon would finish his career with the organisation and had presented him with a multi-year contract to stay.
“Scott Dixon recently informed the team that he will not be returning in 2027,” Ganassi said.
“Scott has meant so much to CGR over the past 24 years. Together, we’ve shared championships, many victories and countless moments that have helped define this organisation. Because of everything we’ve accomplished together and the legacy Scott has built here, we believed it was important to give him the opportunity to finish his career at Chip Ganassi Racing, and we made him a multiyear offer to do just that.
“We respect that he’s chosen a different path and wish him nothing but continued success. Scott will always be a special part of this team’s history, and we’re grateful for everything we’ve accomplished together.
“Our focus is now on finishing this season strong with the No. 9 PNC team while also preparing for the future at Chip Ganassi Racing.”
Dixon said the decision was far from straightforward, explaining he spent around six months weighing up his future before deciding a fresh challenge was the right move.
“I think everybody has different views of how things should finish or where they’ll finish, and things like that,” Dixon said.
“Chip has always been a good friend, and I’d like to call him family. And ultimately, I think through this whole situation and through the chats, that kind of stuff has been nothing but professional.”
The 45-year-old said his motivation remains unchanged despite more than two decades at the top of the sport.
“You always want to be competitive,” Dixon said.
“The fire still burns really strong. I think change is inevitable at some point. And all I can really say is I have a lot of fantastic memories with this team, and everybody there is like family, so it definitely wasn’t a decision taken lightly or (that I) didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about it.
“It’s just time for change, and we’ll see what happens.”
Dixon joined Chip Ganassi Racing in the CART Championship in 2002 before transitioning with the team into the IndyCar Series the following year. His impact was immediate, winning the opening race of the 2003 season before securing his maiden championship later that year.
His standout campaign came in 2008 when he claimed six race wins, including his only Indianapolis 500 victory, on his way to a second series title. He would add further championships in 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2020 to cement his place among IndyCar’s all-time greats.
Across his career, Dixon has amassed 59 IndyCar victories, with 58 of those coming behind the wheel of a Chip Ganassi Racing entry. He also became the series’ all-time leader for starts earlier this season.
However, in recent years, teammate Alex Palou has emerged as the team’s leading title contender. The Spaniard has claimed four of the past five IndyCar championships and currently leads the 2026 standings, while Dixon sits 10th after the opening 10 races and is still searching for his first win of the season.
Although speculation continues to link Dixon with Arrow McLaren, the Kiwi stopped short of confirming any deal for 2027.
A move would reunite him with Arrow McLaren Team Principal Tony Kanaan, a former Chip Ganassi teammate, while also creating a fitting connection with the McLaren name. Like McLaren founder Bruce McLaren, Dixon grew up in Auckland, giving the potential switch extra significance.
Reports have suggested Arrow McLaren is preparing for a major reshuffle in 2027, with Dixon expected to partner Pato O’Ward as the team looks to strengthen its championship challenge.
For now, Dixon’s attention remains on finishing his final season with Chip Ganassi Racing, beginning this weekend at Mid-Ohio, where he has enjoyed more success than any other driver with a record seven victories.
Regardless of where he races next year, Dixon’s partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing will be remembered as one of the defining driver-team relationships in IndyCar history, spanning a quarter of a century and delivering a legacy few are ever likely to match.
Header Image: Joe Skibinski – Penske Entertainment
