Six IndyCar Series championship titles highlight a professional career that spans over two decades of international open-wheel competition. Originally from New Zealand, Scott Dixon transitioned from early karting success into a dominant force in American motorsport, securing victories across major endurance racing series while maintaining a long-standing association with Chip Ganassi Racing throughout his professional ascent in the sport.
Early Development and Karting
Born on 22 July 1980 in Brisbane, Dixon holds New Zealand citizenship and attended James Cook High School. His engagement with motorsport began at age seven at the Mt Wellington kart track. Over the following years, he secured thirty major karting titles across Australia and New Zealand. By age thirteen, he received special dispensation to obtain a junior competition licence, allowing him to advance to car racing. He achieved early success by winning the 1994 New Zealand Formula Vee Championship.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Progression to Professional Open-Wheel Racing
Dixon climbed through the ranks, winning the 1996 New Zealand Formula Ford Class II Championship and the 1998 Australian Drivers' Championship. In 2000, he won the Indy Lights title. He debuted in Championship Auto Racing Teams in 2001 with the PacWest Racing team, achieving his first major open-wheel victory within his first three starts. When PacWest experienced financial difficulties in 2002, Dixon moved to Chip Ganassi Racing, marking the beginning of a sustained period of team stability.
Championship Success and Records
The transition to the IndyCar Series in 2003 resulted in an immediate championship win during his debut season. He secured subsequent titles in 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020. His 2008 campaign included a victory at the Indianapolis 500. Beyond IndyCar, Dixon has demonstrated versatility in endurance racing, winning the 24 Hours of Daytona three times, in 2006, 2015, and 2020, along with two wins at Petit Le Mans. Across his American open-wheel career, he has accumulated 59 race wins and 144 podium finishes.
Recognition and Honours
Dixon has been formally recognized for his contributions to New Zealand sports. He was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2008, followed by a promotion to Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2019. In 2025, he was further recognized as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Additionally, he is an inductee of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame.
Fast facts
- Born: 22 July 1980
- Place of birth: Brisbane, Australia
- Citizenship: New Zealand
- Education: James Cook High School
- IndyCar Series Championships: 6
- Indianapolis 500 wins: 1
- 24 Hours of Daytona wins: 3
- Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit: 2025
Questions readers ask
How many times has Scott Dixon won the IndyCar Series championship?
He has won the series championship six times, specifically in 2003, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020.
Which team has Scott Dixon been associated with for the majority of his IndyCar career?
He has primarily raced for Chip Ganassi Racing since joining the team in 2002.
Achievements
- Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit
- Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit
- Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit
.jpg)
