Scott Dixon: Favorable Schedule to Return to Winning Ways

Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon is looking to regain his winning form as the 2026 season progresses, with a schedule that may provide the necessary opportunities to return to the top step of the podium.

Dixon, driving the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, currently sits 10th in the points standings. The standings show K. Kirkwood in first, followed by A. Palou in second and C. Lundgaard in third.

Current Season Challenges

The start of the 2026 campaign has presented difficulties for Dixon, particularly regarding his performance during qualifying sessions. On April 3, 2026, reports indicated that Chip Ganassi Racing was searching for answers regarding the decline in Dixon’s qualifying pace.

Recent race results reflect these struggles. At the Barber results, Dixon finished 7th. On March 1, 2026, Dixon experienced a significant mechanical failure when his wheel came off during the Grand Prix of St Petersburg.

Despite these setbacks, Dixon has shown flashes of speed. On March 29, 2026, he topped the warmup session in an attempt to overcome a historical struggle at Barber.

Historical Context and Career Milestones

Dixon enters this phase of the 2026 season following a highly consistent 2025 campaign. In that season, he secured third place in the championship standings and maintained a record streak of 21 consecutive seasons with at least one victory by winning the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio on July 6, 2025.

His 2025 season was also marked by significant historical achievements. During the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500, Dixon surpassed Mario Andretti’s record of 407 starts to become the driver with the most career starts in INDYCAR history. He eventually reached 419 starts by the season finale at Nashville Superspeedway.

Beyond his on-track statistics, Dixon’s legacy continues to be recognized. On February 10, 2026, he and Giampaolo Dallara were voted into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame.

Team and Equipment

For the 2026 season, Dixon and Chip Ganassi Racing introduced a new visual identity for the No. 9 Honda. On February 11, 2026, the team unveiled what they termed the Brilliantly Boring livery, sponsored by PNC Bank.

Dixon’s goals for the 2026 season were established early in the year. On February 20, 2026, it was noted that Dixon aims to finish the championship in the top two of the standings.

Diversified Racing Interests

While focusing on his IndyCar comeback, Dixon has continued to engage in historic racing. In October 2025, he participated in his busiest Goodwood Revival to date, competing in three races over three days, which included the RAC TT Celebration.

Dixon has also expanded his racing portfolio outside of the primary series. On November 4, 2025, he joined MSR for a prestigious race alongside AJ Allmendinger.

As the series moves toward the Acura GP of Long Beach, the focus remains on whether the favorable schedule can help the six-time champion translate his warmup pace into race-winning results.