Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon is exploring the possibility of competing in NASCAR, following discussions with seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. Dixon revealed that Johnson has indicated an open seat at his team, Legacy Motor Club, although securing approval from Dixon’s current team, Chip Ganassi Racing, remains a key hurdle. This growing interest in expanding into NASCAR aligns with Dixon’s curiosity about tackling different racing challenges and formats.
Having been teammates at Chip Ganassi Racing during Johnson’s IndyCar seasons in 2021 and 2022, Dixon and Johnson formed a close friendship. Dixon, who attended the 2025 Daytona 500, hinted at a potential NASCAR start there, possibly with Legacy Motor Club, though no concrete plans have surfaced for this year’s event taking place on February 15. Despite time running short, Dixon expressed a clear desire to at least attempt a one-time NASCAR race in the future.
Plans for One-Off NASCAR Races and Scheduling Challenges
On the Stickers & Send It podcast, an IndyCar-focused show, the 45-year-old driver talked about ongoing efforts toward competing in NASCAR one-offs. He mentioned road courses and the Daytona race as potential options, drawing parallels to Helio Castroneves, who recently tried a similar transition.
“There’s been a little bit of action going with the possibility of doing some one-offs, whether it is a road course, or Daytona, you know, Helio [Castroneves] did it just recently as well. I went there last year to check it out. I’ll probably try and go if there isn’t a conflict, I think we’ll be out in Phoenix around that time, but I may go to Daytona this year and just check it out.”
Dixon referred to an upcoming two-day IndyCar open test scheduled at the 1-mile Phoenix Raceway on February 17-18. When asked by fellow IndyCar driver and podcast host Jack Harvey about the availability of a seat with Johnson, Dixon replied:
“Jimmie said he’s definitely got a seat open, but the hard part for me is to try and get something okayed by Chip [Ganassi]. That’s gonna be quite difficult.”
Reflection on Jimmie Johnson’s IndyCar Adaptation and Racing Skills
Despite coming from a stock car background, Jimmie Johnson faced a steep learning curve during his two-year IndyCar campaign, where he managed a single Top 5 finish at Iowa Speedway. Chip Ganassi Racing’s decision to pair Dixon and Johnson was unusual but significant in merging talent from different series.
During a 2024 Never Settle podcast appearance featuring Johnson, Dixon praised his friend’s aggressive racing style and adaptability. Speaking about Johnson’s daring performances at Iowa, Dixon stated:
“Well, I think he did a hell of a job. The first time I saw Jimmie, and I was like, ‘Man, this guy is crazy.’ It was at Iowa. You were up on the high line and then kinda down on the bottom. You were all over the place, and I said, ‘Man, I’ve never seen anybody do this before in this category,’ and it was so impressive to watch. I know if you’d stayed after for at least one more season, you were going to get some crazy-good result.”
Current Careers and Future Prospects
Jimmie Johnson retired from full-time racing following the conclusion of the 2022 IndyCar season, while Scott Dixon remains an active and competitive driver in IndyCar. Even in his mid-40s, Dixon continues to perform at a high level, evidenced by finishing third in the 2025 championship standings. His willingness to consider NASCAR opportunities underscores his enduring passion for racing and desire to challenge himself in new disciplines.
Dixon’s potential NASCAR debut, particularly through Legacy Motor Club, would bring fresh excitement to both series and highlight the continuing crossover appeal between IndyCar and NASCAR. The evolving relationship between Dixon and Johnson, built through shared seasons at Chip Ganassi Racing, adds a personal dimension to this prospective move.
The next steps for Dixon will depend largely on negotiations with Chip Ganassi Racing regarding scheduling and commitments, as well as aligning his preparation for selected NASCAR events. Fans and observers will watch closely to see if Dixon’s NASCAR ambitions come to fruition, possibly starting with select races like Daytona or other road courses in the near future.
