Tag: Chip Ganassi Racing

Ganassi Signs Christian Lundgaard To Drive No. 9 in Multiyear Deal

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Editor’s Note: This story broke yesterday, but I waited until today out of respect for Gordon Johncock. I felt he deserved an exclusive day in my posts.

From yesterday

Gordon Johncock-Champion of Life

Congratulations to Christian Lundagaard and CGR. This team will be exciting in 2027.- Ed.

From IndyCar:

Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) has signed Danish driver Christian Lundgaard to a multiyear contract to drive the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES starting in the 2027 season.

Three-time INDYCAR SERIES race winner Lundgaard (photo, above) has 16 podium finishes and 21 top-five finishes in 87 career starts. In 2026, he won races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course and at Road America, and he secured a career-best third-place finish in the INDYCAR SERIES championship standings.

Lundgaard will join teammates Alex Palou and Kyffin Simpson as part of the CGR’s 2027 driver lineup. He is replacing Scott Dixon, who left CGR after 24 full-time seasons and six series championships to join Arrow McLaren in 2027.

“It is an honor and a privilege to join Chip Ganassi Racing beginning next season,” Lundgaard said. “The fact that it is in the iconic No. 9 PNC Bank Honda makes it even more special. CGR has set the standard in INDYCAR for decades, and the opportunity to be part of that legacy is something I’ve worked toward my entire career.

“I’m incredibly excited about what’s ahead. I can’t wait to get to work with everyone at Chip Ganassi Racing and compete for wins, championships and the Indianapolis 500.”

Lundgaard, 25, has quickly become a well-rounded INDYCAR SERIES talent, scoring victories on both road and street circuits and scoring his first oval podium result in 2026. He was a winning driver in Formula 2 – one step below Formula One – and served briefly a simulator driver for the Alpine F1 Team before coming to the INDYCAR SERIES in 2021 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. He earned his first victory in 2023 at Toronto with RLL before joining Arrow McLaren in 2025.

“We are excited to welcome Christian to Chip Ganassi Racing,” team owner Chip Ganassi said. “We know he’s capable of accomplishing even more in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and we’re looking forward to helping him reach that next level with the No. 9 team.

“He’s already proven he can win races, and it isn’t often a driver of his caliber becomes available. Throughout our history, one of the things we’ve done best is identify young talent, help them maximize their potential and develop them into championship contenders. We believe Christian has all the talent to be the next driver to do that.”

PNC Bank will continue its longstanding partnership with CGR on the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda next season. PNC Bank has been a partner of the team since 2013 and a primary partner on the No. 9 since 2018. With approximately 2,300 branches and 58,000 employees, PNC is one of the largest financial institutions in the U.S.

“We are excited to begin a new era with Chip Ganassi Racing and what’s ahead with Christian taking the wheel of the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda,” said Lou Cestello, PNC Bank head of regional presidents. “He’s already achieved some remarkable milestones early in his career, and we’re looking forward to watching him build on that success in 2027 and beyond.”

The 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season starts Sunday, March 7 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.

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Chip Ganassi Confirms Scott Dixon’s Departure After This Season

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From IndyCar. I go out of the country five days and come b ack to this? More on this later this weekend as I am catching up on stuff.

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The once unthinkable is now official: Scott Dixon and Chip Ganassi Racing are parting ways after the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

One of the longest-running, continuous pairings in North American motorsports history will come to a close as Dixon will leave CGR after 24 full-time seasons, six series championships and 58 of Dixon’s 59 career victories.

“Scott Dixon recently informed the team that he will not be returning in 2027,” team owner Chip Ganassi said in a statement posted on social media. “Scott has meant so much to CGR over the past 24 years. Together, we’ve shared championships, many victories and countless moments that have helped define this organization. Because of everything we’ve accomplished together and the legacy Scott has built here, we believed it was important to give him the opportunity to finish his career at Chip Ganassi Racing, and we made him a multiyear offer to do just that.

“We respect that he’s chosen a different path and wish him nothing but continued success. Scott will always be a special part of this team’s history, and we’re grateful for everything we’ve accomplished together.

“Our focus is now on finishing this season strong with the No. 9 PNC team while also preparing for the future at Chip Ganassi Racing.”

Dixon is 10th in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES standings heading into the next event, The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Presented by the 2027 CR-V Hybrid on Sunday, July 5 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. His best finish this season is third at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach as he tries to win a race for a 22nd consecutive season, extending his INDYCAR SERIES record.

A media report this week indicated Dixon will sign with Arrow McLaren to begin driving with the team in 2027.

Scott Dixon Chip Ganassi

New Zealand Dixon, 45, joined CGR midway through the 2002 season after PWR Championship Racing (formerly PacWest) disbanded for CGR’s last season in Champ Car. The team switched to the INDYCAR SERIES in 2003, and Dixon responded immediately by winning the season championship, the first of his six with the organization (2003, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2020). He also won the 2008 Indianapolis 500 with CGR (photo, above).

Among recent drivers, only Helio Castroneves’ 21 consecutive seasons with Team Penske comes close to rivaling Dixon’s tenure with CGR. Castroneves drove full time for Penske for 18 consecutive seasons from 2000-17, with part-time drives from 2018-20.

Dixon’s longevity with CGR is extraordinary in the annals of North American sports.

Richard Petty drove all 35 of his NASCAR seasons for his family Petty Enterprises team, while Jeff Gordon was behind the wheel in NASCAR with Hendrick Motorsports for 24 seasons.

Gordie Howe played 25 consecutive seasons for the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL. In baseball, Brooks Robinson and Carl Yastrzemski each played 23 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox, respectively. Dirk Nowitzki played 21 consecutive seasons for the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA, and Darrell Green played all 20 of his NFL seasons with Washington.

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Good Morning from St. Pete

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Greetings from cool, cloudy, foggy St. Petersburg as activity is already underway for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. USF 200 just completed qualifying, and Mazda MX-5 Cup cars will qualify in about 15 minutes.

As you can see from the photo, the fog has not completely left,m but the sky is getting brighter, but still cloudy. IndyCar is still scheduled for a 1:35 practice session.

The morning began with some major news. Chip Ganassi and McLaren have reached an unspecified settlement in thel awsuit in which McLaren was awarded $12 million dollars. Ganassi said he and Zak Brown had “a good conversation.”

Chip Ganassi Racing and A;ex Palou each issued statements about the settlement>

I am glad that this matter is closed. It has been a lingering cloud over the series, and I’m sure it was on Palou’s mind as well.

10 Titles

It was a treat this morning when four time series champion Dario Franchitti and six time series champ Scott Dixon mad an appearance. Dixon is looking for his first win at St. pete and his 60th career victory this season. Franchitti, retired from IndyCar since 2013, will be driving in the NASCAR Truck series race tomorrow.

Dario said he wasn’t nervous yet, but might be once he gets in the truck. Dixon was relieved that Franchitti isn’t coming back to IndyCar.

Both drivers expressed a desire to try out the Mazda MX-5 cup series some day.

Sorting

These photos are to help me mostly, but I hope it helps you keep these two cars straight starting Sunday.

Will Power is in this car:

David Malukas is in this car:

I hope this helps.

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing announced a sponsor for rookie Mick Schumacher this morning.

Looking Around

As I walked around the track this morning, I noticed what seemed to be a significant increase in concessions, especially behind the first turn grandstands. It wasn’t too long ago that you mostly saw the grandstand structures and some port a potties. The area has become quite dense.

New and more numerous video boards are in place. There is one closer to turn 1, so the fans there don’t have to fight the glare of the sun to see the board just past the start/finish line across from the pits.

I will be back after IndyCar practice with a wrap up of the day.

Sunoco Returns with Ganassi, Simpson

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Fans wanting a throwback livery will get their wis…kind of. Sunoco returns to IndyCar with a multiyear fulltime primary sponsorship of Chip Ganassi Racing’s car 8 driven by Kyffin Simpson.

Kyffin Simpson

While not a true replication of Mark Donohue’s winning 1972 Indianapolis 500 car, the dark blue and yellow car will pop at IMS and at the night races.

The Donohue winning car set a couple milestones. It was the first Indianapolis 500 win for Roger Penske, and it was the first winning car to have wings.

Donohue’s 500 car:

The car at Pocono.

2026 marks the first Sunoco sponsored car since 1973.

Kyffin Simpson has completed two full IndyCar seasons before reaching the age of 21. Simpson made great strides in the 2025 season, earning his first podium at Toronto and participating in his first Fast Six at Mid Ohio. Simpson earned three top fives and six top 10s in 2025.

Palou To Unveil Image on Borg-Warner Trophy Nov. 19 in Indianapolis

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From IMS:

 Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing, winner of the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and four-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion, will unveil his likeness on the coveted Borg-Warner Trophy on Wednesday, Nov. 19 in downtown Indianapolis.
The event takes place from 4-6 p.m. ET at The Above Event Center at Commission Row, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. in Indianapolis. The trophy unveiling is scheduled for approximately 5:15 p.m.
Palou, Global Director of Marketing and Public Relations for BorgWarner Michelle Collins and INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles will be available for interviews following the unveil.
After the event concludes, Palou and the Borg-Warner Trophy will make their way to the Indiana Pacers’ game at Gainbridge Life Fieldhouse, which starts at 7 p.m. The Borg-Warner Trophy will be on display in the fan pavilion for photo opportunities with fans before the game.
Fans can view the unveil live on the IMS YouTube channel
.WHAT: 2025 Borg-Warner Trophy Unveil
WHO: Alex Palou, Driver, Chip Ganassi Racing, J. Douglas Boles, President, INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Michelle Collins, Global Director of Marketing and Public Relations, BorgWarner
WHEN: 4-6 p.m. ET Wednesday, Nov. 19
WHERE: The Above Event Center, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis 

INDYCAR Announces Streets of Toronto Grid Penalty

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 INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, July 18, 2025) – INDYCAR has announced a six-position starting grid penalty for the entry of No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing for an unapproved engine change following the Sunday, July 13 race at Iowa Speedway.
The entry was in violation of:Rule 16.1.2.3.2. A fifth (5th) Engine is eligible to earn Engine Manufacturer points if a Full Season Entrant has completed the Full Season Entrant Engine Mileage with its first four (4) Engines. Otherwise, a fifth (5th) or more Engine does not earn Engine Manufacturer points and will be considered an Unapproved Engine change-out.
According to Rule 16.1.6.1.2., the penalty is a six-position starting grid penalty on road and street course events and nine positions at oval events and will be served at the series’ next event, which is the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto Sunday, July 20 on the Streets of Toronto.

Simpson Confirmed at Ganassi; Browne, Koolen Fill CGR Indy NXT Seats

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Chip Ganassi Racing today confirmed Kyffin Simpson as driver of the number 8 car for the 2025 IndyCar season. The move was long anticipated. Simpson, 19, from the Caymen Islands, drove car 4 for Ganassi in 2024, finishing 21st in the standings. Simpson finished 21st on the lead lap in the Indianapolis 500, leading three laps.

Ganassi Indy NXT

Neils Koolen and Jonathan Browne will drive for Ganassi’s new Indy NXT team. Both drivers have some Indy NXT experience, driving for HMD in 2024.

Koolen (l), Browne (r)

Koolen, 23 years old from the Netherlands,, finished 10th in the Indy NXT race at IMS last May. He also spent time in the European le Mans Series in 2024.

Browne, 24, ran the entire season for HMD, finishing 13th in the standings. The Irish driver earned eight Top 10 finishes.

Champions Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing Honored Again at Victory Lap Celebration

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From Indycar:

Foster Celebrated for INDY NXT by Firestone Title

INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, Sept. 30, 2024) – Alex Palou was honored for his third NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship in the past four years during the Victory Lap Celebration on Sept. 30, the headline of an incomparable 2024 season for Chip Ganassi Racing.
Palou won two races in the No. 10 DHL Honda and scored 13 top-five finishes in 17 races to become just the 13th driver in history to earn at least three INDYCAR SERIES championships. He is just the seventh driver to win three titles in four years and first since Dario Franchitti won three straight from 2009-11 – also for Chip Ganassi Racing.
Spanish driver Palou won the Astor Challenge Cup for the title by 31 points over Andretti Global with Curb-Agajanian’s Colton Herta, earning the 16th INDYCAR SERIES championship for Chip Ganassi Racing and the organization’s fourth in the last five seasons.
Palou was one of four members of Chip Ganassi Racing to receive special honors at the ceremony, which took place in the Gallagher Pavilion at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Linus Lundqvist of Sweden received the Rookie of the Year Award as the top-finishing first-year driver in the standings. The 2022 INDY NXT by Firestone champion recorded a pole, two podiums and four top-10 finishes in the No. 8 The American Legion Honda to surpass Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Kyffin Simpson by 97 points in the standings.
Team owner Chip Ganassi accepted the Championship Owner Award, and Palou’s chief mechanic, Ricky Davis, was presented the Pennzoil Chief Mechanic Award. Additional season honors for the Ganassi team included the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Team Manager award to Blair Julian and Mike LeGallic.
The awards haul was a reward for a dominant year by Indianapolis-based Chip Ganassi Racing. The team took the top spot in the driver standings and the Rookie of the Year title in the same season for the second straight year.
Much like the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship and Rookie of the Year, the Manufacturers Award race had a familiar result. Chevrolet edged Honda by just 132 points to win its third consecutive engine manufacturer title and ninth overall since it returned to the series in 2012.
Eric Warren, General Motors executive director of global motorsports competition, accepted the award on behalf of the Chevrolet team. Team Penske took home a pair of end-of-season awards. Scott McLaughlin claimed the season-long NTT P1 Award, while Will Power accepted the Firestone Pit Performance Award on behalf of his No. 12 Team Penske crew.
INDYCAR’s development series was also recognized at the Victory Lap Celebration, as Louis Foster of Andretti Global was honored as 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone champion, capping a dominant season.
Foster won a series-high eight of the 14 races this season in the No. 26 Copart / Novara Technologies entry. He led the series in wins, poles, podiums, laps led and completed every lap of competition to beat Abel Motorsports’ Jacob Abel to the title by 122 points.HMD Motorsports’ Caio Collet was named INDY NXT by Firestone Rookie of the Year. Collet, from Sao Palou, Brazil, finished third in the series standings with a victory.