Scott McLaughlin wins as Scott Dixon bids farewell to Ganassi
Scott McLaughlin won the final IndyCar race of the season at Laguna Seca, ending a long winless streak. The event also marked the final race for veteran driver Scott Dixon with Chip Ganassi Racing, while Alex Palou secured his fourth championship title.
Why it matters
The IndyCar season finale represents a significant transition period for major racing teams and highlights the competitive landscape of professional motorsport.
New Zealand driver Scott McLaughlin has snapped a 35-race winless streak to take the chequered flag in the final race of the IndyCar series season.
The biggest New Zealand storyline coming into the finale at California's Laguna Seca Raceway was decorated Sir Scott Dixon having his final outing for the Chip Ganassi Racing team, ending a 25-year relationship.
However, it was polesitter McLaughlin who grabbed the limelight in his Team Penske Chevrolet, leading from start to finish with a flawless drive.
He was a comfortable distance clear of American runner-up Kyle Kirkwood - who also claimed second spot overall in the championship standings behind Alex Palou.
The result came as a relief for 33-year-old McLaughlin, who notched an eighth race win in six full IndyCar seasons but his first since 2024.
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