The motorsports world was rocked this week as Scott Dixon, the six-time IndyCar champion and one of the most decorated drivers in open-wheel racing history, revealed he has been actively exploring a move to NASCAR. In recent interviews, the New Zealand native disclosed details of heated discussions with seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, who now co-owns Legacy Motor Club, about securing a seat in stock car racing.

Dixon’s comments have sent shockwaves through the IndyCar community, with many fans expressing deep disappointment over the prospect of their undefeated icon potentially stepping away from the series that defined his legendary career.

Dixon, affectionately known as “The Iceman” for his cool demeanor under pressure, has dominated IndyCar for more than two decades. Driving for Chip Ganassi Racing since 2003, he has amassed six championships, 59 race wins (second all-time behind A.J. Foyt’s 67), and a 2008 Indianapolis 500 victory. His consistency is unparalleled: he has recorded at least one win in 21 consecutive seasons, a streak that continued into 2025 with a triumph at Mid-Ohio.

At 45 years old—recently knighted as Sir Scott Dixon in New Zealand’s New Year’s honors for his contributions to motorsports—he remains a formidable force, finishing third in the 2025 standings behind teammate Alex Palou and Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward.

Yet, amid preparations for the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season, Dixon has openly discussed a desire to try something new. The conversations with Johnson appear to have been pivotal. Johnson, who transitioned from NASCAR dominance to a part-time IndyCar stint with Ganassi before retiring from full-time open-wheel competition, has maintained close ties with Dixon. The two have shared insights on racing mindsets, and Johnson has reportedly assured Dixon of opportunities at Legacy Motor Club, his team co-owned with Maury Gallagher and fielding Toyotas in the Cup Series.

Dixon attended the 2025 Daytona 500 as a spectator and teased the possibility of competing there, hinting at a potential one-off with Johnson’s outfit. While that did not come to fruition for the February 2025 event, he has since elaborated on ongoing talks. “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,” Dixon said in recent remarks.

He referenced Helio Castroneves’ recent NASCAR attempts as inspiration, noting that finding a seat has not been the primary hurdle—rather, it’s about aligning schedules and commitments without conflicting with his IndyCar obligations.

The revelation has stunned fans, many of whom view Dixon as synonymous with IndyCar loyalty. His decision to explore NASCAR comes at a time when he is still chasing history in his current series. A seventh championship would tie him with Foyt for the all-time record, and he has expressed excitement for 2026 despite a challenging 2025 campaign marked by qualifying struggles and bad luck. Dixon has emphasized the need for better execution, including improvements in starting positions, to mount a serious title challenge against Palou’s dominance.

However, the allure of NASCAR—particularly ovals like Daytona and road courses where his skills could translate—seems to have sparked serious consideration. Dixon has praised the stock car world’s intensity and different challenges, suggesting a one-off or limited program could serve as a fresh test without fully abandoning IndyCar. He remains committed to Ganassi for now, with no immediate full-time departure announced, but the mere discussion of a switch has left supporters reeling.

The fan reaction has been overwhelmingly negative in IndyCar circles. Social media platforms and forums buzz with disappointment, with many calling it a betrayal of the series that made him an icon. “The Iceman leaving for NASCAR? That’s heartbreaking,” one longtime follower posted. Others worry it could signal the beginning of the end for his full-time open-wheel career, especially as he approaches his mid-40s. Dixon has previously downplayed full retirement plans, stating he has “a couple good years” left and feels racing still comes naturally.

Johnson’s role in this saga adds intrigue. As a driver who successfully crossed from NASCAR to IndyCar (albeit with mixed results), he is uniquely positioned to guide Dixon. Their talks have reportedly been candid, covering everything from car feel to team dynamics. Legacy Motor Club, still building its Cup program, could benefit immensely from Dixon’s experience and adaptability.

For now, Dixon is focused on the upcoming Rolex 24 at Daytona, where he aims for a fourth overall win in the endurance classic alongside teammates in the GTP class. This event kicks off the North American road racing season and provides an early test of multi-series ambitions. Whether this NASCAR flirtation materializes into action—or remains exploratory—remains uncertain. What is clear is that the possibility has disrupted the narrative around one of racing’s most steadfast figures.

Dixon’s legacy in IndyCar is secure: a master strategist, a survivor of near-misses (famously saved by the aeroscreen in 2021), and a benchmark for longevity. Fans hope any NASCAR venture would be supplementary, not a replacement. Yet the shock of hearing him target a stock car seat after years of unchallenged excellence has left the community grappling with an unexpected turn. As Dixon put it, the sport evolves, and so do drivers—even the undefeated ones.

The coming months will reveal if this is a genuine pivot or merely a tantalizing “what if” that keeps the Iceman’s competitive fire burning brighter than ever.