The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season is set to kick off soon on the streets of St. Petersburg, and all eyes are on the legendary Scott Dixon as he embarks on his 26th campaign in the series and his 25th with Chip Ganassi Racing. The 45-year-old New Zealander, already a six-time champion and one of the most accomplished drivers in open-wheel racing history, is openly chasing a historic seventh title that would tie him with A.J. Foyt for the all-time record.

Yet amid the excitement of this pursuit, Dixon has also shared candid thoughts about his future, including plans that have shocked fans who assumed the “Iceman” would race indefinitely.

Dixon enters 2026 with an extraordinary resume: 59 career victories (second all-time behind A.J. Foyt’s 67), 419 starts (the most in series history), and a remarkable streak of 23 seasons with at least one win, including 21 consecutive. His consistency is unmatched—he has finished in the top four in points 19 times in the last 23 seasons—and his 2008 Indianapolis 500 victory remains a cornerstone of his legacy. Despite these achievements, 2025 was not his strongest year statistically.

He secured only one win (at Mid-Ohio, where he overtook teammate Alex Palou late to extend his records) but still managed a third-place finish in the standings, showcasing his ability to maximize results even when victories were scarce.

Reflecting on that season, Dixon has described it as “mind-boggling” in terms of how competitive the field was, with Palou dominating en route to his third straight championship (and fourth overall in recent years). Palou’s eight wins, including the Indy 500, set a high bar, but Dixon views the experience as fuel for improvement. “It’s been an interesting year, and I’m looking forward to moving on to next year,” he said late in 2025. The offseason brought targeted tweaks at Chip Ganassi Racing, where the team remains one of the strongest in the paddock.

With Palou chasing a fourth consecutive title—a feat only a few have achieved—Dixon sees the internal rivalry as motivation rather than pressure.

The quest for a seventh championship is personal for Dixon. He has long downplayed retirement speculation, emphasizing that he will continue as long as racing feels natural and competitive. “If it doesn’t feel natural anymore, that’s when you know,” he explained in a recent interview. “But I still feel like I’ve got a couple good years in me.” This mindset has kept him at the top for over two decades. He has defied expectations about age and performance, often citing his preparation, fitness, and love for the sport as key factors.

In February 2026 discussions, Dixon reiterated his drive to extend his career, motivated not to walk away prematurely. He pointed to peers like Will Power, who continue competing at high levels, as inspiration.

However, Dixon has begun to outline what comes after racing, and these revelations have caught many by surprise. While he remains fully committed to 2026—having signed his typical one-year deal with Ganassi—and shows no immediate signs of slowing down, he has started speaking more openly about life beyond the cockpit. Sources close to the driver indicate he is eyeing opportunities that blend his racing expertise with new ventures, possibly including broadcasting, team ownership interests, or even exploring other motorsport disciplines like endurance racing or events such as the Daytona 500 (which he has expressed interest in for 2026 or beyond).

In recent comments, Dixon emphasized enjoying the present while planning ahead: “I love the sport. I’m very lucky to be in this situation. I want to make the most of it for sure.”

This balanced perspective—hungry for more success yet pragmatic about the future—defines Dixon’s approach. Fans have grown accustomed to his calm demeanor and strategic brilliance on track, qualities that earned him the nickname “Iceman.” His “brilliantly boring” livery for 2026, unveiled in February with sponsor PNC Bank, playfully nods to reliability and steadiness, traits he embodies as he targets that elusive seventh crown. The design remains unchanged, symbolizing continuity in a career built on smart, calculated decisions.

As the season opener approaches, the narrative around Dixon is one of legacy versus longevity. Teammate Palou represents the new generation’s dominance, while Dixon stands as the enduring benchmark. A seventh title would cement his status as arguably the greatest in series history, surpassing records in championships and potentially closing in on wins. Yet his shocking retirement plans add intrigue: not an abrupt exit, but a thoughtful transition when the time feels right. Dixon has stressed that he will not force retirement due to external pressure or age alone.

“Years ago, someone told me they were thinking of retiring, and I asked why if they still loved driving,” he recalled. “It’s about passion.”

For now, that passion burns bright. Dixon arrives in St. Petersburg aiming to rebound from a relatively quiet 2025 and challenge Palou head-on. The field is stacked, with Team Penske’s stars like Josef Newgarden and Will Power also in contention, but few doubt Dixon’s ability to deliver when it matters. Whether 2026 brings the record-tying championship or sets the stage for more, one thing is clear: Scott Dixon is not done writing his story.

He approaches this season with the same quiet confidence that has defined his career, ready to compete at the highest level while quietly preparing for whatever comes next. In a sport defined by speed and risk, Dixon’s measured outlook reminds everyone why he has endured for so long—and why fans continue to watch in awe.