“A massive miss” - When Scott Dixon rued IndyCar getting beat by NASCAR on international race front

Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon has witnessed the ups and downs of the open-wheel racing series up close in his 24-year-long ongoing career. However, he once expressed his criticism when IndyCar lost to NASCAR in securing a potentially game-changing race in Mexico.

On August 27, 2024, the NASCAR Cup Series announced Mexico City as part of the 2025 calendar, the division's first international venue in its modern history. This development led to some IndyCar drivers, especially Mexico's Pato O'Ward, feeling disappointed with IndyCar not holding an international race. O’Ward said (via AP News),

"They (NASCAR) beat us to the cake. I strongly believe that we’re not only late, but I strongly believe that there isn’t more room in Mexico City. Like, not only did they beat us there, but now that is not an option for IndyCar. You need to understand that these people save up their money to go to these events."

Scott Dixon echoed O'Ward's sentiment and said at the Milwaukee race weekend at the end of August:

"I think that’s a massive miss. I don’t know how that happens."

Dixon is one of only three drivers from the 2025 IndyCar grid, including Graham Rahal and Will Power, who competed in an American open-wheel race in Mexico. The 2007 Gran Premio Tecate at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez witnessed the last Champ Car race in Mexico City.

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When Scott Dixon shared a funny take on his unfulfilled NASCAR dream

Scott Dixon at the 107TH Running of the Indianapolis 500 - Source: Getty

In 2021, Scott Dixon crossed paths with Jimmie Johnson, when the 7-time Cup Series champion decided to pursue an IndyCar career. Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing and IndyCar's most successful driver with six championships, guided Johnson through the early tests with the team.

The No. 9 driver then had one of NASCAR's most successful drivers as his teammate for two years. During that period, Dixon was often questioned about their growing relationship. Another possibility that came into the picture was him shifting disciplines to NASCAR, about which he said in 2021 (via Indy Star):

"I would still love to try it, NASCAR. I've tried a few times with Chip (Ganassi) and kind of booked it, and then he said I would have to pay for it if I crashed it (chuckles). So then, that's kind of where it's been left."

Scott Dixon is still at the top of his game in IndyCar even at 44. With two wins and eight Top 5 finishes in 2024, the Kiwi driver finished sixth in the standings and looks quick enough to better it in 2025.