During an IMSA media session ahead of the Road Atlanta finale, Scott Dixon reflected on the transition taking place at Chip Ganassi Racing. The veteran, who is leaving the team after a remarkable 25-year tenure that produced six IndyCar championships and an Indianapolis 500 victory, confirmed that the 25-year-old Danish driver Christian Lundgaard will assume the #9 Honda seat.
“It was like the worst-kept secret,” Dixon said, noting how the chatter around the move had already begun inside the paddock. He added that the deal was likely sealed before the recent Daytona race weekend and praised the environment that awaits Lundgaard, citing the “amazing people at CGR, Chip and Mike steering it.”
Benchmarks and expectations for the new recruit
Lundgaard, who spent the last two seasons with Arrow McLaren, steps into a seat that has been synonymous with success. Dixon warned that the biggest hurdle will be the internal competition, specifically the presence of fellow CGR driver Alex Palou. “It’ll be tough going up against Alex, for sure, especially in his environment,” Dixon remarked, emphasizing the high bar set by Palou’s recent performances.
Despite the challenge, Dixon expressed confidence in Lundgaard’s ability to rise to the occasion, describing him as a “good challenge and a great fit for the team, for Chip, and for PNC as well.” The endorsement underscores the trust CGR places in the Dane’s talent and adaptability.
Dixon’s own contractual limbo and packed agenda
While Lundgaard prepares for his debut, Dixon finds himself on a contractual pause. A non-compete clause prevents him from joining his next outfit—Arrow McLaren—until January 1 of the coming year. “It’s definitely true,” he acknowledged, noting that such clauses are standard in motorsport contracts, even if they feel restrictive.
Nevertheless, Dixon’s calendar remains full. He will co-drive the #60 Acura ARX-06 for Meyer Shank Racing at the IMSA season finale, then head to the Goodwood Revival engage in various test sessions, and travel to the UK for a final national go-kart race with his son Kit. Additional commitments include a Legacy event, a NASCAR Cup race, and potential participation in the Race of Champions in Wellington, New Zealand.
Final weekend alongside Palou and what lies ahead
This Road Atlanta weekend also marks Dixon’s last event sharing a garage with Palou, his teammate for six seasons. When asked about the emotional weight of the moment, Dixon kept his answer business-like: “I didn’t really think of it that way. I figured we’d still cross…”. He added that working with Palou has always been enjoyable and hinted at possible future encounters in endurance GT competitions.
Beyond the personal farewells, the session featured the #93 Acura entry from Meyer Shank Racing, piloted by Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly. While Dixon’s own future with Arrow McLaren remains in the wings, the season’s close provides a vivid snapshot of the evolving landscape at CGR and the broader North American racing scene.
