Dixon Wins Grand Prix of Monterey, as Palou Hoists Astor Cup

Chip Ganassi Racing took command of the dual victory lanes at Laguna Seca today, as Alex Palou hoisted the Astor Cup after leading a podium drive in the No. 10 American Legion Honda, while Scott Dixon and the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda team captured the race victory in impressive fashion.

Scott Dixon piloted the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda to victory lane after leading the final 20 laps of the race. Dixon captured his first career win at Laguna Seca, setting a new series record with a win at his 27th racetrack.

Dixon notched his 56th career victory, which ranks 2nd all-time behind only A.J. Foyt (67). This is now his 10th season with three-or-more race wins, registering a trio of victories for the first time since his title-winning campaign in 2020. 

Chip Ganassi Racing wrapped up the year winning more than half of the races (9) throughout the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

Alex Palou, who became the first driver to clinch the championship before the season finale in 2007, officially claimed the Astor Cup today after finishing the day in P3.

Palou wrapped up the year with a 3.71 average finishing position, which is the best mark in a single season by any driver since 2006 (Bourdais: 3.64). Palou secured his 24th podium with Chip Ganassi Racing in what was his 50th career start with the team (48%). 

Marcus Armstrong raced near the front of the field throughout the majority of the race and secured a P8 finish, bringing home Rookie of the Year honors. Armstrong became the fifth Chip Ganassi Racing driver to win the award (Cheever Jr.; Zanardi; Montoya; Rosenqvist). 

Chip Ganassi Racing became the first team in INDYCAR SERIES history to boast the series champion, the second-place finisher and the Rookie of the Year in the same season.

Marcus Ericsson battled all day and wrapped up his final race with the team in P15, advancing three positions from his original starting position. 

Alex Palou - No. 10 American Legion Honda

"This was an amazing race. We led a lot of laps and finished up third. The yellow didn't help us, but we got our hands on the second ring. We have the Astor Cup now and we also won with the No. 9 car. I can't wait to celebrate with the team. Thank you to all our partners, especially The American Legion. Now, I'm very much looking forward to the future." 

Scott Dixon - No. 9 PNC Bank Honda 

"It was definitely a wild day with a lot of ups and downs. To start the day with a failure in warmup and having to get a grid spot penalty was not great. But obviously with strategy and how tough the race was, we knew we still probably had a chance. We played it well coming to the pits, getting the right window for the last pit stop to make enough fuel. Big thank you to HPD to make sure we could get that done."

Marcus Armstrong - No. 11 Ridgeline Lubricants Honda

"What a day. It's been an eventful one. It was great, until it wasn't, but it was still great. A lot happened and I think I made contact approximately 20 times. But, we came home with the Rookie of the Year title. I'm pretty happy about it considering we missed five races, the ovals. Now I have my first oval test on Wednesday, so let's go." 

Marcus Ericsson - No. 8 Huski Ice Spritz Honda

"It was a very messy race. The No. 8 Huski Ice Spritz Honda was feeling amazing all day. Unfortunately, I fell on my own mistake. I was trying to make an overtake and misjudged it. I spun, lost a lap, and from then on, it was just trying to get that lap back all day. I'm thankful, though, for the four years with Chip Ganassi Racing and the No. 8 crew. There were a lot of emotions. It's not the finish we wanted, but congratulations to Scott on the win."