Mclaren off radar for Dixon in Indycar

Scott Dixon has agreed terms to remain at Chip Ganassi Racing on a new multi-year Indycar deal, ending speculation that he would switch to the mooted Mclaren project, or make a move to Andretti Autosport or Team Penske.

The deal keeps the four-time champ and current series leader at Ganassi – where he has scored all but one of his 44 Indycar wins – for an 18th straight year in 2019.

After a difficult final Indycar season with Chevrolet engines in 2016, and a trying year with Honda’s manufacturer aerokit in ’17, Ganassi has been resurgent in the first year of Indycar’s spec-aerokit era and Dixon (right, above) has won three races.

“I’ve always said I have a massive amount of respect for Chip and what he’s done in this sport,” said Dixon. “This is not an easy business. His resumé speaks for itself, and he’s the type of team owner any driver would want to drive for. He gives you the tools you need to go out and get the job done, with the right group of people.

“This team has been like a family to me since way back in 2002, and I’m glad

I’ll be here trying to fight for more wins, championships and Indianapolis 500s for years to come.”

Meanwhile, Ganassi’s NASCAR Cup team will recruit 2004 champion and ’17 Daytona 500 winner Kurt Busch for next season, according to Autosport sources.

Multiple sources have suggested that Busch (right, below) will switch from Stewart-haas Racing to drive Ganassi’s #1 Chevrolet Camaro, replacing veteran Jamie Mcmurray, who is in the last year of his current contract with the team.

Formal confirmation of the move does not appear to be imminent, while a spokesman for Ganassi said the team does not discuss its driver contracts in public.

Busch, who has driven for SHR since 2014, will take one of his main sponsors, Monster Energy, with him. He signed a one-year contract extension with SHR in December, after the team originally declined to agree to renew the deal.