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Chip Ganassi Racing Finalizes Driver Lineup for 2025 IndyCar Season
Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) has officially announced its driver lineup for the upcoming 2025 season in both the IndyCar Series and Indy NXT. Following the decision to reduce the number of entries from five to three, clarity has emerged regarding the team’s key competitors.
The stable of drivers will feature six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon, reigning two-time champion Alex Palou, and rising star Kyffin Simpson. Dixon and Palou will continue their tenures in the Honda-powered No. 9 and No. 10 cars, respectively. Simpson, however, will transition from his rookie-season No. 4 car to the No. 8 vehicle, previously occupied by Linus Lundqvist, the 2024 Rookie of the Year whose future remains undecided. Marcus Armstrong, who also raced for CGR last season, has been announced as a new addition to Meyer Shank Racing, with CGR establishing a technical alliance with the team for 2025.
For the first time since 2007, CGR will field an Indy NXT program, comprising two entries. Jonathan Browne from Ireland will race in the No. 9 car, while Dutch driver Niels Koolen takes the No. 10 spot.
“The 2024 season was another exceptional year for our team, marked by five wins in the IndyCar Series and our third championship in four years,” remarked team owner Chip Ganassi. “As we prepare for 2025, our focus is on defending our championship, enhancing Kyffin’s growth, and fostering the development of young talent through our Indy NXT initiative.”
Scott Dixon Looks Ahead
Scott Dixon, the 44-year-old New Zealander, is on the verge of tying the legendary A.J. Foyt’s all-time record of 67 wins, currently sitting nine victories away. Dixon expressed eagerness to dive back into competition ahead of the new season.
“I’m excited,” he stated, having secured two wins and finishing sixth in the 2024 championship. “I wish the offseason were shorter. Last year featured a lot of great races, although it wrapped up on a less-than-ideal note with some retirements and inconsistent results. However, the team performed exceptionally well and demonstrated significant speed. I’m looking forward to this season and aiming for championship number seven.”
Palou Aims for Three-Peat
Alex Palou, 27, is set on achieving a historic third consecutive championship, a feat last accomplished by Dario Franchitti between 2009 and 2011. “The 2024 season added another incredible chapter to my career,” said Palou. “The pursuit continues, and I am eager to return to the track with even greater determination in 2025!”
Kyffin Simpson’s Growth
Kyffin Simpson, a 20-year-old from Barbados, had a promising debut season, with a standout 12th place finish at the St. Petersburg race and experience leading laps at the Indy 500. “I am thrilled to continue my journey with Chip Ganassi Racing in 2025,” he commented. “I’m excited to build on a solid start to my IndyCar career and see what we can accomplish together.”
Indy NXT Aspirations
For Jonathan Browne, who achieved a best finish of sixth in St. Petersburg during his rookie Indy NXT season, joining CGR feels like a dream realized. Browne expressed enthusiasm about being part of the team’s resurgence in the development series.
Niels Koolen, who participated in eight of the 14 races in the 2024 Indy NXT season and posted a best result of 10th at the Indianapolis road course, is looking forward to his first full-time season. “I am eager to embark on my second year and my first full campaign in Indy NXT,” Koolen shared. “Working with Chip Ganassi Racing, which boasts an illustrious history and extensive experience across various racing categories, is an exciting opportunity.”
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