10 MINUTES AGO 🚨 Scott Dixon stunned the media and the IndyCar community with an emotional 11-word message to CEO Chip Ganassi after making IndyCar history by becoming the first person to be inducted into the IMS Hall of Fame, and Chip Ganassi’s tearful reaction broke fans’ hearts: “No one has ever treated me like this before.”

In a moment that captured the essence of loyalty, gratitude, and deep personal bonds in motorsports, Scott Dixon has etched his name into IndyCar history once more. The six-time NTT IndyCar Series champion was announced as part of the 2026 Class for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame, alongside chassis innovator Giampaolo Dallara. What made the announcement truly unforgettable, however, was Dixon’s heartfelt tribute to his longtime team owner and mentor, Chip Ganassi, delivered in an emotional 11-word message that left the media room silent and the racing world buzzing.

Dixon, the 45-year-old New Zealander driving the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing, becomes the first full-time active driver ever inducted into the prestigious IMS Hall of Fame. This milestone arrives on the heels of a stellar career that includes six championships—second only to the legendary A.J. Foyt—59 race victories, and a 2008 Indianapolis 500 triumph. Remarkably, Dixon has secured at least one win in each of the past 21 consecutive seasons, showcasing unparalleled consistency and adaptability in one of the world’s most competitive open-wheel series.

Selected on his first ballot appearance by a national panel of over 150 journalists, drivers, historians, and industry leaders, Dixon’s induction underscores his status as one of the greatest talents the sport has ever seen.

The formal celebration is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis, just days before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500. Yet the news broke with an immediacy that felt personal rather than ceremonial. In the press conference following the announcement, Dixon took the microphone not just to express his own humility at the honor but to direct his words squarely at Ganassi, the man who has been by his side for over two decades.

With a voice steady but thick with emotion, Dixon looked directly at his team owner and said: “Chip, thank you for believing in me when no one else did— you’ve given me a family, not just a team.” Those 11 simple words carried the weight of 24 seasons together, countless victories, near-misses, and the unbreakable trust that has defined their partnership. The room, filled with seasoned reporters accustomed to the highs and lows of racing, fell quiet as the significance sank in.

Dixon’s message wasn’t about statistics or titles; it was a raw acknowledgment of the human element behind the helmets and horsepower—the belief, patience, and unwavering support that turned a talented young driver from Down Under into a legend.

Ganassi, known for his stoic demeanor and business-first approach in the paddock, was visibly moved. The team owner, who has built one of the most successful organizations in IndyCar and beyond, fought back tears as he responded. “No one has ever treated me like this before,” Ganassi said, his voice cracking slightly in what many described as one of the most vulnerable moments of his public career. Fans watching the live stream and clips circulating online quickly took to social media, sharing how the exchange “broke their hearts” in the best possible way.

Comments poured in praising the genuine bond between the two, with many noting that in a sport often defined by fierce competition and short-term contracts, such longevity and mutual respect are rare treasures.

The relationship between Dixon and Ganassi dates back to 2002, when the young driver joined Chip Ganassi Racing after stints with other teams. At the time, Dixon was promising but unproven in the top tier. Ganassi saw potential where others hesitated, offering him a platform to grow. Over the years, that investment paid dividends in spades. Dixon’s calm precision on track complemented Ganassi’s demanding standards, leading to a dynasty of success. Through engine changes, tire wars, team expansions, and the evolution of the series, their partnership endured, becoming a model of stability in an unpredictable sport.

Dixon has often credited Ganassi’s leadership style—not just for the wins but for fostering an environment where drivers could thrive personally and professionally. In interviews over the years, he has spoken about the trust that allowed him to take risks, recover from setbacks, and maintain focus season after season. This latest honor, coming while Dixon remains an active competitor at the peak of his powers, adds another layer to that narrative. Being the first active full-time driver inducted highlights not only his achievements but also the forward-thinking nature of the Hall of Fame in recognizing ongoing excellence.

The IndyCar community reacted swiftly and warmly to the news. Fellow drivers, past and present, flooded social media with congratulations, many highlighting Dixon’s class and humility. Team members from Chip Ganassi Racing shared behind-the-scenes photos and anecdotes, reinforcing the family-like atmosphere Dixon referenced in his message. Even rivals acknowledged the magnitude of the moment, with one prominent driver noting that “Scott’s induction feels like a win for the entire series.”

As the sport looks ahead to the 2026 season and the induction ceremony, Dixon’s words and Ganassi’s reaction serve as a poignant reminder of what makes motorsports more than just racing. Amid the roar of engines and the thrill of competition, it’s the relationships—the belief in one another—that create legacies lasting far beyond the checkered flag. For Dixon, this Hall of Fame nod is a crowning achievement in a career already filled with them. For Ganassi, it’s validation of a vision that prioritized people as much as performance.

And for fans everywhere, it’s a heartwarming story of loyalty and gratitude that transcends the track.

In an era where driver-team partnerships can shift with the wind, Scott Dixon and Chip Ganassi stand as a testament to what happens when trust endures. Their story, captured in those few emotional seconds, will be remembered long after the champagne dries and the trophies are polished. It’s not just history in the making—it’s a reminder that the greatest victories are often the ones shared with those who believed from the start.