Following a remarkable victory at the Mid-Ohio race, Scott Dixon shared his thoughts on the upcoming 2028 IndyCar challenger and advocated for adding a third engine manufacturer to the series. Dixon emphasized that introducing new cars should deliver significant improvements to racing or vehicle performance, or else the effort and expense may be unjustified. The new car, initially planned for 2027, has been postponed to 2028 due to necessary revisions in engine regulations and the energy recovery system.
The 2028 regulations will bring a redesigned chassis and a new engine formula, featuring a larger 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, an upgrade from the current 2.2-liter units. Alongside the technical upgrades, IndyCar is working to create an attractive car design to appeal to younger fans, with extensive development underway and vehicle testing set for early 2026.
Addressing the potential impact of the new car and the prospect of a third engine supplier, Dixon remarked through Racer Network:
“First drove this car in 2011, we’ve been in a situation we were maybe going to have a new car five or six times, so this car was the next one, maybe 25. But you know, honestly, unless you’re gonna make some big change that makes the racing better or the performance of the car better, what’s the point?” —Scott Dixon, Driver
He continued:
“You’re just gonna spend a ton of money, the product is really good. So we’ll have to see where it goes. I think what is really huge for the sport would be adding a third manufacturer.” —Scott Dixon, Driver
The responsibility of developing the 2028 chassis has been assigned to Dallara, continuing their role in IndyCar’s technical evolution.
Mid-Ohio Victory: Scott Dixon’s Perspective on His First IndyCar Win of 2025
Throughout the 2025 IndyCar season, Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou and Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood have dominated, securing six and three Grand Prix wins respectively. Nonetheless, Dixon made a strong statement by winning the 90-lap Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, marking his first victory of the season.
Following this triumph, the 44-year-old driver expressed enthusiasm in a post-race interview with FOX, saying:
“It was definitely a tough race, full credit to everybody at Chip Ganassi Racing. I’m not sure where Kyffin was, but I’m sure he was right there as well. Fantastic, it was my fault in qualifying. But just so much fun, to you know to try and pull off waht we did.” —Scott Dixon, Driver
After completing Round 10 of the 2025 season, Dixon sits fourth in the drivers‘ championship with 282 points. The next challenge on the 17-race calendar is the upcoming Iowa race weekend, where Dixon aims to leverage his recent momentum.
Implications of the 2028 Car Development and Future of IndyCar Racing
Scott Dixon’s cautious but hopeful stance highlights the critical balance IndyCar must strike between innovation and maintaining competitive racing. The delay to 2028 reflects the complexity of integrating new technologies like the updated 2.4-liter engines and energy recovery systems while ensuring the new chassis excites both drivers and fans.
Introducing a third engine manufacturer could enhance competition on the grid, potentially increasing unpredictability and interest in the series. As Dixon notes, without meaningful improvements, the cost of developing new machinery may outweigh its benefits.
With testing slated for early 2026, all eyes will be on the results from Dallara and engine manufacturers as IndyCar prepares for a pivotal chapter in its future. Scott Dixon’s input underscores the importance of these changes to shape the sport’s direction and maintain its appeal in the evolving motorsport landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much does Scott Dixon get paid?
A. Driver salaries are usually kept private, but reports suggest the highest-paid IndyCar drivers in 2025 are Colton Herta at $7 million, Pato O’Ward at $5 million, and Scott Dixon earning between $3.5 million and $4.5 million.
Q. What is Scott Dixon’s salary?
A. His WWE contract reportedly earns him around $80,000 each year.
