Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon is actively seeking a Jimmie Johnson NASCAR opportunity as he considers joining the stock car racing world in the near future. Dixon revealed that while Legacy Motor Club, owned by Johnson, has a seat available, his main challenge has been securing approval from his current team, Chip Ganassi Racing.
Relationship Between Dixon and Johnson Sparks Possibility
Scott Dixon and Jimmie Johnson first developed a strong friendship as teammates at Chip Ganassi Racing during Johnson’s two-year IndyCar stint in 2021 and 2022. Their close bond has led to ongoing discussions about future collaborations, especially as Dixon watched Johnson transition from his legendary NASCAR career to the challenges of open-wheel racing.
Dixon Considers Daytona 500 Participation
During the 2025 Daytona 500 build-up, Dixon was present at the venue, hinting at a potential debut in this storied NASCAR event with Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club. While such a move has not materialized for the February 15 race, Dixon confirmed his aspirations for a one-off appearance in stock cars, indicating that scheduling—and not merely opportunity—was a crucial factor.
He explained his thoughts on participating in a major NASCAR event, referencing the ongoing trend of IndyCar drivers trying their skills in stock car races:
“There’s been a little bit of action going with the possibility of doing some one-offs, whether it is a road course, or Daytona, you know, Helio [Castroneves] did it just recently as well. I went there last year to check it out. I’ll probably try and go if there isn’t a conflict, I think we’ll be out in Phoenix around that time, but I may go to Daytona this year and just check it out.”
– Scott Dixon, IndyCar Champion
Team Commitments Pose Hurdles for NASCAR Crossover
Dixon clarified that although Johnson has made Legacy Motor Club available to him, his commitments with Chip Ganassi Racing for the IndyCar schedule present a significant obstacle. The Phoenix reference alludes to a scheduled two-day IndyCar open test at Phoenix Raceway set for February 17-18, potentially clashing with the NASCAR season opener.
Speaking on this matter, Dixon noted:
“Jimmie said he’s definitely got a seat open, but the hard part for me is to try and get something okayed by Chip [Ganassi]. That’s gonna be quite difficult.”
– Scott Dixon, IndyCar Champion
Reflecting on Johnson’s IndyCar Effort and Mutual Respect
The friendship between Dixon and Johnson is underscored by mutual admiration built during their time as Chip Ganassi Racing teammates. Dixon has repeatedly expressed awe at Johnson’s willingness to take on the demanding world of IndyCar after having established himself as a stock car legend. Johnson managed just one top-five finish in two seasons, notably at Iowa Speedway, before retiring from full-time competition in 2022.
Dixon recalled Johnson’s skill in a conversation on the Never Settle podcast, spotlighting his unconventional and fearless approach during the Iowa race:
“Well, I think he did a hell of a job. The first time I saw Jimmie, and I was like, ‘Man, this guy is crazy.’ It was at Iowa. You were up on the high line and then kinda down on the bottom. You were all over the place, and I said, ‘Man, I’ve never seen anybody do this before in this category,’ and it was so impressive to watch. I know if you’d stayed after for at least one more season, you were going to get some crazy-good result.”
– Scott Dixon, IndyCar Champion
Current Form and Future Outlook
Despite advancing in age, Scott Dixon continues to perform at an elite level, finishing third in the 2025 IndyCar standings and maintaining his reputation as one of the sport’s toughest competitors. While Jimmie Johnson now focuses on team ownership and less frequent racing appearances, the pair’s relationship keeps hope alive for a cross-discipline NASCAR outing involving Dixon, pending logistical cooperation from Chip Ganassi Racing.
The potential for Dixon to join the NASCAR grid is significant for both fanbases. If the Jimmie Johnson NASCAR opportunity comes to fruition, motorsports enthusiasts will see two icons from different disciplines unite once again, possibly making a mark at a future Daytona 500 or another high-profile NASCAR event.
