By: Spencer Neff
October 1, 2026
Less than four weeks have passed since the final checkered flag of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES campaign in Laguna Seca but the offseason leading into 2027 has already begun ramping up.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest headlines in the series from this week.
Christian Lundgaard signs multiyear deal with Chip Ganassi Racing
On Tuesday, Chip Ganassi Racing filled out its driver lineup for 2027 and beyond, announcing the signing of Christian Lundgaard to a multi-year deal. Lundgaard takes over the No. 9 previously occupi9ed by Scott Dixon since 2002.
“It is an honor and a privilege to join Chip Ganassi Racing beginning next season,” Lundgaard exclaimed in CGR’s press release.
“The fact that it is in the iconic No. 9 PNC Bank Honda makes it even more special. CGR has set the standard in INDYCAR for decades, and the opportunity to be part of that legacy is something I’ve worked toward my entire career.”
Lundgaard, who made his debut with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course (Race 2) in 2021, has won three races in his first 85 starts, including wins at the IMS Road Course and Road America last year with Arrow McLaren. He also has won four poles, including at Mid-Ohio this past year. Lundgaard also earned a career-best points finish of fourth.
“We are excited to welcome Christian to Chip Ganassi Racing,” Car Owner Chip Ganassi added.
“We know he’s capable of accomplishing even more in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and we’re looking forward to helping him reach that next level with the No. 9 team.”
Lundgaard joins Alex Palou and Kyffin Simpson at CGR.
Image By Chip Ganassi Racing
INDYCAR Announces Extension of Independent Officiating Board Members
On Wednesday, INDYCAR announced that iIndependent Officiating Board (IOB) members Raj Nair, Ray Evernham and Ronan Morgan.
Nair and Evernham were approved by the 11 INDYCAR Charter member teams, while Morgan was approved by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile).
All three will continue overseeing both the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone.
Scott Elkins will also continue as Managing Director of Officiating (MDO), a role he was ann0ounced to in April of 2026.
“We moved quickly but meticulously this year in instituting a more transparent process, enhanced by a formal three-steward model, technical penalty guidelines and post-event reports, which we believe has been beneficial for all of INDYCAR,” Elkins added on Wednesday.
“With that foundation, several improvements land for the 2027 season: a rulebook review with INDYCAR, a clarified formal review and appeal process, and additional tools for race control. Alongside that, we are modernizing technical inspection, including scanning technology, with the aim of having it proven and in place before the IR-28 starts racing in 2028. Our entire INDYCAR Officiating team is buoyed by the support of the paddock and looks forward to getting started next season.”
The Series has also established a post-race event report, which is available on https://noticeboard.indycarofficiating.org.
Header Image By Joe Skibinski/INDYCAR
