Scott Dixon will try to add a fifth Rolex watch to his collection as a winner of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, driving a Chip Ganassi Racing Cadillac V-LMDh prototype in the endurance sports car racing classic Jan. 28-29 at Daytona International Speedway.
Six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Dixon will share the Cadillac in the new Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class with former INDYCAR SERIES rival Sebastien Bourdais and Renger van der Zande in the twice-around-the-clock race that opens the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season.
“I find sports car racing very enjoyable, especially once you get into these endurance races, you’re driving the car a lot,” Dixon said. “I just love driving cars and being a part of interesting and high-end experiences like these with Cadillac. It’s a great fit and ultimately the pure love of racing.”
2008 Indianapolis 500 winner Dixon will enter his 23rd season driving for Chip Ganassi Racing – the longest-tenured driver in team history. He co-drove a Cadillac DPi-V.R with Bourdais and van der Zande in the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the Motul Petit Le Mans endurance races in 2022. Dixon earned overall victories in the Rolex 24 with CGR in 2006, 2015 and 2018 and added another watch to his collection with a victory in 2020 with Wayne Taylor Racing.
“The Rolex 24 At Daytona is the most significant race of the IMSA schedule that happens to also be the first race of the year,” Chip Ganassi Racing Director of Operations Mike O’Gara said. “Scott brings a level of stability since he’s been with us for 20-plus years. He’s the steady guy who provides a good perspective to hop in the race car and give us a fresh, reliable outlook. He’s not an extra driver to get us through the 24-hour race. He adding to the program even though he’s only driving the car a few times a year.”
Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn and Richard Westbrook – previously announced for the Cadillac V-LMDh entry in the seven FIA World Endurance Championship races for 2023 – will co-drive the second Chip Ganassi Racing-prepared car on the 12-turn, 3.56-mile circuit at Daytona.
Dixon drove the Cadillac V-LMDh for the first time last month at Sebring International Raceway.
“Being part of the endurance test with no real issues, it’s hit the ground well,” Dixon said. “Good power and the drivability is really nice, which is what you’d expect from what Cadillac has done before with a normally aspirated V8. Honestly, the car seems really reliable and ready to go. There are a lot of new systems to get used to and it’s a big car, but fun to drive.”