Scott Dixon: "Lundgaard Will Be Tough Going Up Against Palou"

Scott Dixon knows Christian Lundgaard is entering a winning culture at Chip Ganassi Racing, but warns the 25-year-old Dane is up against a tough test in Alex Palou. Lundgaard was officially named earlier this week as Dixon’s replacement in the #9 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, taking the seat vacated by the 46-year-old New Zealander after leaving for Arrow McLaren after a legendary 25-year run that included six IndyCar championships and an Indianapolis 500 win.

Ahead of this season’s IMSA season finale at Michelin Road Raceway Atlanta – where Dixon will drive the #60 Acura ARX-06 for Meyer Shank Racing – the veteran star weighed in on what lies ahead for his successor.

“It was like the worst-kept secret,” Dixon said at an IMSA media availability Thursday afternoon. “It was a weird race, especially in IndyCar, where they’re like, ‘Who’s going to go?'” It was an amazing race.

“Yeah, I think it happened before DC or something. I think it’s going to be a fantastic environment. You know, right up until the end, you know, there’s the wonderful people that are at CGR, and obviously Chip and Mike at the helm, and the whole group is there.

“But it will be tough against Alex, for sure, and especially in his environment. But I think from what we’ve seen with Christian over the last few years, it’s going to be a good challenge, and a great fit for the team, for him, for Chip, and then also for PNC (Bank), too.”

While Lundgaard, who spent two seasons with Arrow McLaren, is preparing a new threat, Dixon is sidelined from joining a new team due to contract restrictions at the end of the year.

“Yeah, it’s really true,” Dixon said, about being a licensed horticulturist. “I didn’t think anything (Chip Ganassi Racing) would hold, but it’s just how the contracts are written. Christian, I think, was released after the last race. And then, remember, January 1 is when I can start a new deal.”

Despite the uncertain period, Dixon’s schedule remains full.

#93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06: Renger van der Zande, Nick Yelloly

“He’s been busy,” Dixon said. “Between trying the Goodwood Revival, the race this weekend, the Sim days leading up to this next week, I want to go back to the UK on Sunday, then do Kit (his son) back on Wednesday to do his last national round in the go-karts at Indy, which will be a lot of fun.

“And then, I remember, a little bit of stuff with the Ambassador, which will be the rope, to the last race of the (NASCAR) Cup. You know, I love the Cup. Sports are sports, and it’s going to be fun in that capacity.

“He’s still trying to decide on the Champions, because the home race is in New Zealand this year in Wellington, which will be a lot of fun. But, yeah, he’s trying to figure out some calendars, of course I can work with the lead and with McLaren.”

This weekend also marks Dixon’s final event working out of the same camp as Palou, his CGR teammate for the past six seasons.

Asked by Motorsport.com about his feelings about spending the last weekend under the same umbrella, Dixon kept it strictly business.

“Don’t even really think about it that way. It’s figured out that we want to pass…”

Motorsport.com said they weren’t trying to give Dixon a shout-out.

“Yeah, no, no. That’s not going to happen, brother,” Dixon declared.

“Yeah, I don’t know. I can’t say that I really thought. I always have fun working with Alex. In this environment, he’s got five other teammates too. Hes in #3, I’m in #60, so your time is short, but… Yeah, it’s not, it’s always fun to work with Alex. In this environment, he’s got five other teammates too. Hes in #3, I’m in #60, so your time is short, but… Yeah, it’s not, it’s always fun to work with Alex, and in hopefully, as you think, I can cross with Alex, and hopefully, as I think, I’m on the #60 track at some point.”

Scott Dixon: “Lundgaard will be tough going up against Palou”

#93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06: Renger van der Zande, Nick Yelloly

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