Christian Lundgaard has confirmed his move into Chip Ganassi Racing’s #9 Honda, stepping into the seat vacated by Scott Dixon following Dixon’s departure to Arrow McLaren after 25 years.
Lundgaard Takes the Seat from a Legend
The 25‑year‑old Dane was announced earlier this week as the successor to Dixon in the CGR Honda, a driver package that has produced six IndyCar championships and an Indianapolis 500 triumph for its former occupant.
Dixon accepted the role with a focus on the “tough” benchmark set by teammate Alex Palou, who now races the #3 car. “It will be tough, especially against Alex,” Dixon noted in an IMSA media appearance, underscoring the high standard Lundgaard will face.
Dixon’s Advisory and Contractual Circumstances
During the same event, Dixon highlighted that although he publicly supported Lundgaard’s transition, he is itself blocked from joining a new team by a contract that keeps him “on gardening leave” until the end of the calendar year. “I can start a new deal on January 1st,” he clarified, explaining that contracts are structured to protect both driver and team interests.
Despite the restriction, Dixon’s schedule for the rest of the year remains crowded, with commitments ranging from the Goodwood Revival to testing sessions and simulator days leading up to the IMSA season finale.
Road Atlanta: The IMSA Season Finale and a Final Brake‑by‑Brake Weekend
The weekend at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta will feature Dixon co‑driving the #60 Acura ARX‑06 for Meyer Shank Racing. It will also be his last event under the same racing environment as Palou, a six‑season partnership that has spanned both IndyCar and endurance competitions.
Speaking with Motorsport.com, Dixon said he kept the conversation strictly professional, acknowledging the value of working with Palou while expressing neutrality about the upcoming races.
Busy Full Calendar Amidst Restrictions
Outside of the IMSA race, Dixon will fly back to the United Kingdom on Sunday, return his son Kit to the United States on Wednesday for a final national‑round go‑kart competition in Indy, and make several appearances at legacy events and NASCAR Cup races. He also entertained the idea of participating in the Race of Champions in Wellington, New Zealand, an event especially meaningful for him because it takes place in his home country.
The diverse itinerary underscores Dixon’s versatility across sports and continents, even while he is legally bound from racing elsewhere until the new year.
Focus on the Future: A New Era for CGR
With Lundgaard now aboard, CGR’s strong culture and big‑name sponsors like PNC Bank continue to keep a firm grip on the momentum built by Dixon and Palou. The team’s forward‑thinking strategy has secured a new talent ready to confront the benchmark set by Palou and to represent the team’s championship ambitions.
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