![\"Scott](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/3-scott-mclaughlin-team-penske-chevrolet-during-the-ntt-indy-AAHOLFA75RBPVHF3KOKUYCFH2Y.jpg\")
<\/p>\nNew 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
However, it was polesitter McLaughlin who grabbed the limelight in his Team Penske Chevrolet, leading from start to finish with a flawless drive.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“My little girl [one-year-old daughter Lucy] hasn’t seen me win yet and she finally has. So dad’s coming home with a trophy,” a delighted McLaughlin said post-race.<\/p>\n
“Team Penske have stood beside me the whole time. We’re working hard to get better. Today was a big step in the right direction.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske Chevrolet during the NTT INDYCAR Series Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix in Tennessee. (File photo) (Source: Getty)<\/p>\n
“We had to be solid. If that’s what it’s going to take to win a championship, what a great warmup we had. Bring on 2027.”<\/p>\n
With two second placings also under his belt this year, McLaughlin improved to a sixth-placed finish overall.<\/p>\n
Spaniard Palou cruised home in eighth in a Chip Ganassi Honda, having already wrapped up his fourth successive championship title.<\/p>\n
Palou has now bagged the season silverware five times, placing him third on the all-time list behind American AJ Foyt (seven) and Dixon (six).<\/p>\n
Dixon crossed the line 17th to finish 12th overall while Marcus Armstrong was seventh in a Honda, to place 14th overall.<\/p>\n
![\"Scott](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/scott-dixon-left-stands-next-to-chip-ganassi-before-the-star-Z7BDEU4X2VFE3KEE2W7Q6DU3YI.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Scott Dixon, left, stands next to Chip Ganassi. (File photo) (Source: Associated Press)<\/p>\n
It was the first time since 2004 that 46-year-old great Dixon has completed a season without a race win.<\/p>\n
The six-time series champion \u2013 who has won 58 of his total 59 race wins for Chip Ganassi \u2013 will join Arrow McLaren next season.<\/p>\n
Before the race, he thanked the ongoing support of team owner Chip Ganassi, who he regarded as a close friend.<\/p>\n
“Not winning has sucked,” Dixon said.<\/p>\n
“This year has been horrendous but Chip’s been amazing. The whole team’s been really amazing and I’m definitely thankful for that.”<\/p>\n