In a challenging turn of events for Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR), six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon has been hit with a significant nine-place grid penalty for the Milwaukee Mile race on August 24, 2025, due to unapproved engine changes in his No. 9 Honda-powered car. The penalty, announced by IndyCar officials, stems from Dixon’s team exceeding the season’s allotment of four engines, a rule designed to ensure fairness and cost control in the series. This marks another setback in a season already marred by engine troubles for the New Zealand driver, who has faced multiple penalties for similar infractions throughout 2025. The situation has sparked heated discussions within the IndyCar community, especially after Dixon’s pointed remarks about a recent Team Penske controversy, which left the press momentarily stunned.

The 2025 IndyCar season has been a rollercoaster for Dixon, who started the year with high hopes but encountered immediate engine woes. During the final pre-season test at Sebring International Raceway, Dixon’s brand-new Honda engine failed after just one lap, forcing the team to install a second engine before the season even began. By the Detroit Grand Prix in June, Dixon was already on his fifth engine, incurring a six-place grid penalty. The situation worsened as the season progressed, with a sixth engine change in Toronto and now a seventh at Milwaukee, resulting in the latest nine-place grid drop for the oval event. According to IndyCar’s rulebook, any engine change beyond the fourth is considered unapproved, triggering penalties that affect both the driver’s starting position and the manufacturer’s championship points. This has left Honda, despite its dominant 11 wins out of 12 races this season, unable to score manufacturer points for Dixon’s car since the Detroit race.

The penalties have undoubtedly hampered Dixon’s championship aspirations. Despite his resilience and a victory at the Mid-Ohio Grand Prix, the grid drops have forced him to fight from the back repeatedly, a challenge he has met with characteristic determination. His second-place finish at Iowa Speedway, behind teammate Alex Palou, showcased his ability to overcome adversity, with Dixon crediting Honda’s fuel efficiency and strategic flexibility for his strong performance. However, the mounting penalties have raised questions about IndyCar’s engine regulations, with CGR’s managing director, Mike Hull, openly criticizing the rules as unfair. Hull argues that teams and manufacturers bear the brunt of penalties for engine failures outside their control, a sentiment echoed by many in the paddock who are calling for a rule overhaul as IndyCar integrates new hybrid technology.

Dixon’s frustration came to a head when he addressed the media, drawing a sharp contrast between his team’s penalties and the recent Team Penske scandal that rocked the IndyCar world. During the Indianapolis 500 qualifying in May 2025, two of Penske’s Chevrolet-powered cars, driven by Josef Newgarden and Will Power, were found to have illegally modified rear accentuators. The infraction led to both drivers being sent to the back of the grid and Penske receiving $100,000 fines per entry. However, no championship points were deducted, and the series, owned by Roger Penske, faced accusations of leniency. Dixon, known for his measured demeanor, didn’t hold back, stating, “It’s not my problem, I’m here to race legally. It’s just a bad look, right? It’s Roger’s series and his track.” His comments silenced the press room, as they highlighted the disparity between CGR’s string of engine-related penalties and Penske’s relatively lighter punishment for a deliberate rule violation. The remarks underscored Dixon’s belief in competing with integrity, a principle he feels is not uniformly enforced across the series.

The Team Penske controversy has fueled ongoing debates about fairness in IndyCar, with rivals like Arrow McLaren’s Zak Brown questioning the “integrity” of Penske’s decision-makers. Meanwhile, Dixon’s latest penalty at Milwaukee adds pressure to an already challenging season. With only two races remaining, including the season finale, Dixon sits sixth in the championship standings with 137 points. His ability to salvage strong finishes, such as his fourth-place drive from 23rd at Road America, demonstrates his skill, but the engine penalties continue to hinder his title chase. As IndyCar navigates this turbulent season, the sport faces growing calls to revisit its regulations to balance fairness with the realities of modern racing technology. For Dixon, the focus remains on overcoming these setbacks and proving his championship mettle, even as the shadow of penalties looms large.