Chip Ganassi Racing has signed Christian Lundgaard to drive the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda from 2027 on a multiyear deal, reinforcing the team’s front-running intent in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

The 25-year-old arrives off a career-best 2026 campaign featuring three wins, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course and Road America, and a third-place championship finish.

Lundgaard replaces Scott Dixon, who departs after 24 full-time seasons and six titles to join Arrow McLaren in 2027. He joins Alex Palou and Kyffin Simpson, with PNC Bank extending its No. 9 backing that began in 2013 and became primary in 2018.

Across 87 INDYCAR starts, Lundgaard has 16 podiums and 21 top-fives, underpinned by adaptability on road, street, and oval tracks. His 2026 oval progress, including a breakthrough podium, signposts growing all-rounder credentials, as explored in his oval breakthrough analysis.

The Dane debuted with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in 2021, scored a first win in Toronto in 2023, and moved to Arrow McLaren in 2025. His background includes Formula 2 success and simulator duties with the Alpine F1 Team.

For CGR, the No. 9 transition centers on sustaining a proven operational model while tailoring car characteristics to Lundgaard. The target is fast integration with the team’s engineering group to preserve execution strengths on strategy and pit cycles.

Competitively, the question is cadence. If Lundgaard assimilates quickly, CGR retains multi-car depth to pressure rivals over diverse circuits. The 2027 opener in St. Petersburg on March 7 offers an early barometer.

The move lands within an unsettled wider market picture. Dixon’s switch reshapes the INDYCAR pecking order, while the global driver landscape remains fluid, as covered in F1 driver market developments and the outlook on F1 drivers’ 2027 contracts.

PNC Bank’s continued commitment underlines stability around the No. 9 program, with Lou Cestello highlighting confidence in Lundgaard’s trajectory and the partnership’s longevity.

With proven pace, an improving oval profile, and CGR’s operational depth, Lundgaard enters 2027 positioned to contest wins, a title push, and the Indianapolis 500 as this new era begins.

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Brian Thompson

Brian Thompson focuses on IndyCar Series news, from qualifying speeds at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to street-course race strategy. He delivers concise feature stories and technical breakdowns on chassis setups, tire choices, and championship standings for open-wheel enthusiasts.