Just over a few days ago, the Chip Ganassi Racing team had confirmed Scott Dixon’s departure in a statement, bringing an end to one of motorsport's longest and most successful driver-team partnerships. Dixon has now spoken about leaving CGR for the first time. 

In a video posted to X via Bob Pockrass, the 45-year-old New Zealander admitted that it was a tough decision to walk away from the team, and also spoke of the time when he had to inform the team owner, Chip Ganassi Jr., of his intention to leave. 

“Of course it was emotional. It was a long thought process. I might have even cried, you know. Like, it's not easy. I think, as I've stated before, I've spent more time with Chip and his team than I have with my own family. So they are family, a fantastic group of people, and, yeah, not an easy decision by any means."

"Those situations are never easy. I sat down with Chip, I sat down with Mike, sat down with Bill Demchick from PNC, went and saw them in Pittsburgh, and kind of went through the situation and, you know, told them that I wasn't coming back. So, not easy because, honestly, all of these people have been amazing to me. It's definitely been tough.”

Dixon also commended the collaborative and promotional activities of the team outside of racing, such as its long-standing partnership with PNC Bank, and its Grow Up Great initiative that helps young, underprivileged children with education. 

The New Zealander has been a mainstay at CGR since 2003 and is also a six-time series champion (2003, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2020). He also won the 2008 Indianapolis 500 and holds the record for most wins by an active driver (59).

Amidst rumors of a link-up with McLaren, he is confirmed to leave CGR at the end of this season. 

Should Scott Dixon go to endurance racing instead? 

Dixon’s future was discussed in great detail on the SPEED podcast. Kevin Harvick and Will Buxton both shared a hope that Dixon would end his IndyCar career on a high note at CGR, as they feel he has nothing left to prove in IndyCar. 

On that note, after Harvick said Dixon is risking his legacy, Buxton said, “So go and do something else, right? Go and create something. And we know he's mega in endurance, right?”

Amidst rumours of moving to Arrow McLaren, there is a possibility that he may also be considered for a dual role in the World Endurance Championship, given his record in the series. The Arrow McLaren team is debuting a new hypercar in 2027, and it could use Dixon as its driver. 

He is, after all, a three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona, and a two-time winner of the Petit Le Mans.

Read more at Motor Culture! 

Written by

Aaradhya Singh

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason