Scott Dixon’s story is far from over. As he continues to race in the IndyCar Series, his pursuit of AJ Foyt’s record is one of the most exciting chapters yet
But as the BC39 event revealed, Dixon’s passion for racing extends well beyond the numbers.
From dirt tracks in sprint cars to championship podiums in IndyCar, Dixon’s journey is one of talent, perseverance, and unrelenting love for the sport.
Whether or not he captures a seventh title, his legacy is already firmly cemented — not just as a champion, but as a true ambassador of racing.
Scott Dixon’s 2025 IndyCar season has been one of disappointment, frustration, and introspection. Yet, amidst the challenges, his unwavering resolve remains intact.
Winless after nine rounds, trailing his teammate by a significant margin, and fighting to keep his title hopes alive, Dixon is under immense pressure.
But champions aren’t defined by how they race when everything is going right. They’re defined by how they respond when everything is going wrong.
If history is any indicator, Scott Dixon still has a few surprises left before the checkered flag drops on the 2025 season.
Table of Contents
Scott Dixon: Reflecting on Dirt Sprint Cars and a Storied Racing Career
Scott Dixon is widely recognized as one of the greatest open-wheel drivers in American motorsport history.1
With six IndyCar championships, 58 wins, and more than two decades of racing excellence, Dixon’s career has been nothing short of legendary.
Yet, in a recent visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the BC39 dirt track event, the 44-year-old driver surprised fans by reminiscing about a much earlier chapter in his journey — one filled with roaring engines, flying dirt, and a wild sprint car ride.
In a conversation with FloRacing, Dixon opened up about his dirt racing experience from roughly a decade ago, revealing just how formative and exhilarating the world of grassroots motorsports had been in shaping his love for racing.
A Wild Ride on Dirt: Dixon’s Sprint Car Experience
During the BC39 event, part of the USAC Midget National Championship, Dixon recounted his experience racing a sprint car. It wasn’t a lengthy stint, but it left a lasting impression.
“I did have a go in a sprint car maybe 10 years ago, which was a lot of fun. It was wild, man,” Dixon said. “Feels like you are just driving an engine around, it’s so much power. But yeah, the racing is fantastic.”
Dirt sprint cars are a far cry from the highly engineered machines of IndyCar. They’re lightweight, brutally powerful, and notoriously difficult to handle.
With engines delivering upwards of 900 horsepower in a chassis weighing less than 1,500 pounds, these cars are known for their unpredictability and raw speed — a challenge even for the most experienced drivers.
Scott Dixon’s Climb Through the Ranks
From Dirt to Dominance
Long before he was an IndyCar legend, Scott Dixon was a determined young racer from New Zealand.2
His journey began in humble fashion, competing in categories like New Zealand Formula Vee and New Zealand Formula Ford.
These early experiences honed his technical skills and racecraft, providing a foundation that would serve him throughout his career.
Dixon’s move to Australia brought him into the Australian Formula Holden series, a championship known for its fast cars and strong competition. It was here that Dixon began catching the attention of international scouts, setting the stage for his eventual leap to American open-wheel racing.
Conquering Indy Lights: The American Gateway
In 1999, Dixon made his move to the United States, competing in Indy Lights — the feeder series to the top-tier IndyCar competition.
Driving for PacWest Racing, he immediately made an impact, winning the 2000 Indy Lights championship. This success solidified his place as one of the brightest young talents in the sport.
The Indy Lights title opened the door to a full-time ride in the CART series (which would later merge with the IRL to become modern-day IndyCar). In 2001, Dixon made his debut, and it didn’t take long for him to prove he belonged among the elite.
Come on guys get those wallets out. I will sweet talk your teacher into giving you top grades! #VetsGiving https://t.co/Nuabz4aRfO
— Scott Dixon (@scottdixon9) November 30, 2023
IndyCar Reign: Six Championships and Counting
Since joining the top tier of American open-wheel racing, Scott Dixon has become synonymous with success. His consistency, adaptability, and technical understanding have made him a fixture at the front of the grid.
He claimed his first IndyCar championship in 2003, and over the next two decades, he added five more titles in 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020.
With 58 career wins and 143 podiums, Dixon sits among the pantheon of motorsports greats. His driving style — aggressive yet controlled — has earned the respect of fans, competitors, and analysts alike.
Perhaps more impressively, Dixon has remained competitive deep into his 40s, a testament to his physical fitness, mental strength, and enduring passion for racing.
Scott Dixon’s Legacy Off the Track
Humble and Grounded
One of the most admired aspects of Scott Dixon’s career is his humility. Despite his monumental success, he remains grounded, approachable, and deeply appreciative of his roots.3
Whether he’s racing in front of thousands or reminiscing about a dusty sprint car ride, Dixon brings a level of sincerity and gratitude that endears him to fans and fellow racers alike.
His commitment to the sport goes beyond personal accolades. Dixon has mentored young drivers, spoken candidly about the pressures of professional racing, and used his platform to promote safety and sustainability in motorsports.
Returning to His Roots at the BC39
Scott Dixon’s presence at the BC39 wasn’t just a nostalgic trip — it was a reflection of his enduring connection to the grassroots of racing.
Events like the BC39 highlight the raw, unfiltered joy of motorsport. For someone who’s conquered the world’s most prestigious tracks, it was clear that Dixon still cherishes the simplicity and excitement of dirt racing.
By engaging with the event and sharing his past experiences, Dixon helped bridge the gap between top-tier racing and the community-driven world of local motorsports.
It’s a reminder that even the biggest stars start small — and that those early laps on dirt or asphalt often light the fire that burns throughout a career.
Eyes on History: Chasing AJ Foyt’s Record
Despite all he has accomplished, Dixon’s hunger remains. He is currently just one championship shy of tying the legendary AJ Foyt’s record of seven titles — a milestone long considered untouchable in the modern era.
Foyt’s dominance came during a different time in racing, with different challenges. But Dixon’s longevity, coupled with the level of competition he has faced, makes his pursuit of that seventh title one of the most compelling storylines in motorsports today.
If he achieves it, Dixon will have a legitimate claim as the greatest IndyCar driver of all time.
Beyond IndyCar: Endurance Racing Success
In addition to his IndyCar exploits, Dixon has proven himself a formidable competitor in endurance racing. He’s competed in some of the most prestigious events in the world, including the 24 Hours of Daytona and the Petit Le Mans.
Dixon won the Rolex 24 at Daytona multiple times, showcasing his versatility across disciplines. These races require not just speed, but strategy, teamwork, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions — all qualities that Dixon possesses in abundance.
His ability to transition seamlessly between series and car types speaks volumes about his skill and professionalism.
Scott Dixon’s Struggles in the 2025 IndyCar Season
A Champion in Crisis
Scott Dixon is a name that commands respect across the motorsport world. With six IndyCar championships and 56 career wins, Dixon has long been the gold standard for consistency and excellence in American open-wheel racing.
But the 2025 IndyCar season has proven to be unusually frustrating for the New Zealander.
Through the first nine rounds, he has failed to secure a single win and currently finds himself languishing in fifth place in the standings with 231 points—well behind his dominant Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Alex Palou, who leads the pack with 386 points.
Let’s take a closer look at the bumpy journey of Scott Dixon in 2025, exploring his performances, challenges, mindset, and the remaining opportunities for redemption in what he himself has described as a “crappy” season.
A Dismal Start to a Critical Campaign
For a driver of Scott Dixon’s pedigree, expectations are always high. The 2025 season was no different.
Coming off a decent 2024 campaign that saw him finish third in the championship, Dixon entered the new year with hopes of chasing a record-tying seventh title.
However, the tone was set early. A string of underwhelming finishes, pit lane mishaps, and poor qualifying sessions hampered Dixon’s momentum right out of the gate.
Unlike Palou, who has managed to maximize nearly every opportunity and win six of the nine races so far, Dixon’s results have been uncharacteristically mediocre.
Comparing Teammates: Palou vs. Dixon
- One of the most glaring issues of the 2025 season has been the vast gulf between Dixon and his teammate Alex Palou.
- The Spaniard has been nearly untouchable, consistently outqualifying and outracing the rest of the grid. His precision, pace, and racecraft have elevated him to a whole new level, leaving his veteran teammate in the dust.
- While Dixon is still firmly inside the top five of the championship standings, the contrast within the same team is hard to ignore. Palou has outscored Dixon by 155 points, a staggering margin that underscores the disparity in performance.
- This has inevitably led to comparisons and speculation. Has the 43-year-old Dixon lost a step? Or is Palou simply enjoying a run of peak form with a car that suits his driving style better?
- Dixon’s disappointing 2025 campaign hasn’t been entirely self-inflicted. Several mechanical issues and strategic missteps have played their part.
- From ill-timed cautions to pit stop blunders, Dixon has faced a series of frustrations that have disrupted his rhythm.
- Take the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America, for example. Despite having decent race pace, Dixon found himself compromised by strategy and traffic.
- After the race, he candidly remarked, “It’s been one of those years, man. Anything we do is just kind of crappy.” That quote has come to define his year thus far—full of effort, but little reward.
Scott Dixon: Championship Hopes
A Long Shot, But Not Impossible
Mathematically, Dixon is still in the hunt for the title, albeit as a long shot.
With eight races remaining and a maximum of over 400 points still on the table (given the varying race formats and bonus points), a strong second half of the season could catapult him back into contention.
But for that to happen, Dixon will need a near-perfect run. He must avoid further DNFs or low-point finishes, and he has to start winning—something that has eluded him all year.
Realistically, a title may be out of reach unless Palou hits a major slump. But even if the championship is slipping away, individual race wins and podiums can still salvage what has been an underwhelming season.
Team Dynamics and Support at Chip Ganassi Racing
Despite being overshadowed by Palou this year, Dixon remains a central figure at Chip Ganassi Racing. His feedback, leadership, and technical insights are critical assets for the team.
Ganassi knows the value of Dixon—not just as a driver, but as a stabilizing force in the garage. There’s no indication of any internal tension, which speaks volumes about Dixon’s character and professionalism. Instead of letting envy or frustration fester, Dixon has continued to uplift the team’s collective efforts.
If anyone can mount a comeback with quiet tenacity and relentless focus, it’s Scott Dixon.
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The Bigger Picture: Legacy Over One Season
Even if 2025 ends without a single win or title for Scott Dixon, it would do little to tarnish his remarkable legacy.
Few drivers have managed to remain at the top of their game for as long as he has. His six championships, five Indy 500 podiums, and more than 330 career starts tell the story of a driver who has already secured his place among the all-time greats.
Every athlete, no matter how legendary, experiences tough seasons. What defines them is how they respond—and Dixon’s measured, grounded reaction to adversity this year is exactly what has made him so respected in the paddock.
What Lies Ahead: Final Push for Glory
As the 2025 season enters its final stretch, all eyes will be on whether Dixon can recapture the magic. While Palou continues to dominate, Dixon still has the tools, experience, and team support to end the year on a high.
The journey ahead won’t be easy. With younger drivers like Christian Lundgaard, Pato O’Ward, and Colton Herta also chasing victories, the competition is fiercer than ever.
But if there’s one thing motorsport fans have learned over the past two decades, it’s to never count Scott Dixon out.
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