Chip Ganassi Racing announced today that Verizon IndyCar Series championship leader Scott Dixon has signed a multiyear deal to remain with the team’s he’s driven for since 2002, where he has won all four of his series titles and all but one of the 44 race wins in his legendary career.
Terms of the agreement were not announced but it will keep the 38-year-old New Zealander behind the wheel of the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda for the 2019 season and beyond.
“I have always said I have a massive amount of respect for Chip and what he’s done in this sport,” Dixon said. “This is not an easy business. His resume speaks for itself, and he’s the type of team owner any driver would want to drive for. He gives you the tools you need to go out and get the job done, with the right group of people.
“This team has been like a family to me since way back in 2002, and I’m glad I’ll be here trying to fight for more wins, championships and Indianapolis 500s for years to come.”
After winning the Indy Lights championship in 2000 for PacWest Racing, Dixon moved up to Indy cars with the same team the following year. When PacWest ceased operations after three races in the 2002 CART season, Ganassi signed Dixon as the team’s third driver in the series and the relationship has prospered ever since.
Dixon made his 300th career start on July 29 in the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio. All but 23 of those races have been with Chip Ganassi Racing, where Dixon has captured Verizon IndyCar Series championships in 2003, ’08, ’13 and ’15. Dixon also won the 2008 Indianapolis 500 for CGR and holds a 46-point lead in the 2018 standings with four races remaining.
With his victory July 15 at the Honda Indy Toronto, Dixon earned his 44th career win, a number eclipsed only by A.J. Foyt (67) and Mario Andretti (52) in more than a century of Indy car history.
“I think when you mention the name Scott Dixon, the numbers and the records start to speak for themselves,” team owner Ganassi said. “We have achieved a lot together, but there are no signs of him slowing down. He’s still the guy the championship goes through, and you know you have to beat him to get on the top step. He’s a driver that’s always thinking about the next race and how he’s going to approach it, attack it and ultimately win it.
“I’m very happy that we have the opportunity to continue this relationship and look forward to many more successful years together.”
In addition to his Indy car exploits, Dixon has driven for CGR’s sports car teams in endurance events dating to 2004. He is a two-time overall winner in the Rolex 24 at Daytona (2006, ’15), as well as the GTLM class winner this year driving the team’s Ford GT. He was also part of the team that finished third in the GTE Pro class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2016.
