Breaking: Scott Dixon leaves Chip Ganassi racing at the end of 2026

Credit: Joe Skibinski

Scott Dixon has informed Chip Ganassi Racing that he will not return to the team in 2027.

The six-time IndyCar champion has spent over two decades with Ganassi, becoming in sync with the team and building a legacy that has defined an entire era of the series. His departure marks the end of a chapter that has delivered sustained excellence, consistency, and dominance across multiple generations of competition. Dixon sits 10th in the IndyCar standings with 211 points, recording one top 5 finish and five top 10 results so far this season.

Scott Dixon’s career began in the early 2000s after progressing through junior categories in New Zealand and Europe, before making his IndyCar debut in 2001 and quickly winning his first championship in 2003, establishing himself as a future star. Dixon joined Chip Ganassi Racing in 2002 and quickly established himself as a leading figure in the paddock. Over the following two decades, he built a legacy of consistency and success, adding further titles in 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020, while also winning the Indianapolis 500 in 2008. With those six championships, he marks second on the all-time list behind only A.J. Foyt, and has 59 race victories, the second most behind Foyt's 67 victories, making him one of the most successful drivers in IndyCar history.

His achievements extend beyond championships and wins. Dixon has recorded over 130 podium finishes, the most in IndyCar history, and 32 pole positions, demonstrating a rare blend of speed, racecraft, and consistency that has kept him competitive across changing regulations and evolving car specifications.

The New Zealander’s longevity has been equally remarkable. Across more than 350 starts with Ganassi, Dixon has maintained a level of performance rarely seen in modern motorsport, regularly contending for titles well into the later stages of his career.

"Scott Dixon recently informed the team that he will not be returning in 2027. Scott has meant so much to CGR over the past 24 years," CGR owner Chip Ganassi said in a statement. "Together we've shared championships, many victories, and countless moments that have helped define this organization. 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 multi-year 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 now is on finishing the season strong with the No. 9 PNC team while also preparing for the future at Chip Ganassi Racing."

For IndyCar, this move marks the end of a partnership that has become part of the sport’s identity. Dixon’s presence at the front has felt constant, and his ability to adapt has kept him competitive as the series has evolved.

As the 2026 season continues, focus now shifts to what comes next for both Dixon and Chip Ganassi Racing. His future remains unclear, but his legacy with the team is already secure.

Few driver-team pairings have achieved this level of success over such a long period. Dixon’s time with Ganassi will stand as one of the defining chapters in modern IndyCar history.