Scott Dixon Warns Christian Lundgaard Faces High Bar in Chip Ganassi Racing Battle

Scott Dixon acknowledges Christian Lundgaard is entering a winning culture at Chip Ganassi Racing, but cautions the 25-year-old Dane is confronting an exceptional benchmark in teammate Alex Palou. Lundgaard was confirmed earlier this week as Dixon’s replacement in the #9 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, succeeding the 46-year-old veteran who departed for Arrow McLaren after a 25-year tenure that included six IndyCar championship victories and an Indianapolis 500 triumph.

Ahead of this weekend’s IMSA season finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta—where Dixon is co-driving the #60 Acura ARX-06 for Meyer Shank Racing—the veteran driver shared insights on what lies ahead for his successor.

“It was like the worst-kept secret,” Dixon said during an IMSA media availability on Thursday. “It was kind of weird, especially on IndyCar, where they’re always speculating about ‘Who’s going to go there?’ It was a bit unusual.

“I think the deal was confirmed well before now. For Christian, it’s a fantastic environment. There are amazing people at CGR, and obviously Chip and Mike steering the team, along with the entire crew supporting them.”

“But it’ll be tough going up against Alex, for sure—especially in his environment. From what we’ve seen with Christian over the past few years, he’s going to be a strong challenge and a good fit for the team, for Chip, and for PNC (Bank), too.”

Lundgaard, who spent the past two seasons with Arrow McLaren, is preparing for his new role while Dixon remains sidelined due to contractual restrictions through the end of the year.

“Yes, that’s definitely true,” Dixon confirmed when asked about being on gardening leave. “I didn’t expect CGR would hold to that clause, but contracts are contracts. Christian was released right after the last race, and January 1st is when I can begin his new role.”

Despite the non-compete period, Dixon’s schedule remains packed.

#93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06: Renger van der Zande, Nick Yelloly

Photo by: Jake Galstad / Lumen via Getty Images

“It’s been busy, man,” Dixon said. “Between Goodwood Revival, testing, that race, this weekend’s event, the sim sessions leading up to next week, I fly back to the UK on Sunday, then return Wednesday to accompany Kit [his son] for his final national go-kart round in Indy, which should be a lot of fun.

“And then I’ll focus on some Legacy activities, including the final NASCAR Cup race. I love Cup racing—it’s exciting—and it’ll be enjoyable in that capacity.

“Still deciding on the Race of Champions, as it’s hosting a home event in New Zealand this year in Wellington. That’ll be a great opportunity. Beyond that, I’m coordinating schedules with McLaren’s development programs and figuring out when I can officially start contributing to their initiatives.”

This weekend also marks Dixon’s final event sharing camp operations with Palou, his CGR teammate for the past six seasons.

When Motorsport.com inquired about the emotional weight of their final weekend under the same banner, Dixon maintained a professional approach.

“I didn’t really think about it that way. I figured we’d still see each other…”

Motorsport.com noted the conversation had taken an unexpectedly poignant turn.

“No, no—don’t make it dramatic, brother,” Dixon replied with a grin. “I don’t know if I’ve even considered that. Working with Alex has always been enjoyable. In this environment, you collaborate with four other teammates as well. Alex is on the #3, I’m on the #60, so our overlapping time is brief—but I’ve always had a good rapport with him, and perhaps we’ll reconnect during future Endurance GT races.”

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