McLaughlin finally wins, Dixon signs off for Ganasi
New Zealand driver Scott McLaughlin has ended a 35-race winless streak to take the chequered flag at the Grand Prix of Monterey in the final race of the IndyCar series season.
McLaughlin, 33 had pole in his Team Penske Chevrolet, leading from start to finish with a flawless drive.
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He was a comfortable distance clear of American runner-up Kyle Kirkwood - who also claimed second spot overall in the championship standings behind Alex Palou.
The result came as a relief for 33-year-old McLaughlin, who notched an eighth race win in six full IndyCar seasons but his first since 2024.
With two second placings this year, McLaughlin improved to a sixth-placed finish overall.
Spaniard Palou cruised home in eighth in a Chip Ganassi Honda, having already wrapped up his fourth successive championship title, placing him third on the all-time list behind American AJ Foyt (seven) and Dixon (six).
The biggest New Zealand storyline coming into the finale at California's Laguna Seca Raceway was decorated Sir Scott Dixon having his final outing for the Chip Ganassi Racing team, ending a 25-year relationship.
Dixon crossed the line 17th to finish 12th overall while Marcus Armstrong was seventh in a Honda, to place 14th overall.
It was the first time since 2004 that 46-year-old great Dixon has completed a season without a race win.
The six-time series champion - who has won 58 of his total 59 race wins for Chip Ganassi - will join Arrow McLaren next season.
Fellow New Zealand Marcus Armstrong was seventh.
