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'Shocking': Sir Scott Dixon reacts to Knighthood amid legendary IndyCar career
Sport Nation ⹠ December 31st, 2025 11:38 am
Photo: IndyCar
The newly knighted Sir Scott Dixon admits it's going to take some time for him to adjust to his latest moniker.
The Kiwi IndyCar great received the ultimate recognition in the New Year Honours list for 2026, made a Knight of New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to motorsport.
Sir Scott confesses he was taken aback by news of his latest plaudit, another to stack upon the mammoth pile accumulated during his astonishing 22 years at the top.
"It's honestly shocking, in a fantastic way," Dixon told Sport Nation.Â
"I'm so lucky I get to do something that I really love. It's opened doors to a lot of different things that I wouldn't even think were possible.
"You're getting to meet people and hanging out with people and you know, different causes along the way.Â
"So, it's been fantastic and then this news was unexpected, to say the least."
The Knighthood is just the latest in a lifetime of accolades for the Aucklander, who holds a staggering six IndyCar driving championships - just one shy of the all-time record.
That includes victory at the iconic Indy 500, where he became the first Kiwi to taste the hallowed milk back in 2008.
Seventeen years later, Dixon remains among the cream of the championship's crop - still winning races.
In fact, his 59 race wins are the most among active IndyCar drivers, ranking him second all-time in series history.
Scott Dixon celebrates in traditional fashion after winning the Indy Car 500 back in 2008 | Photo: Photosport
"Coming from such a small country you know like New Zealand, you don't actually realise it until you leave just how far away we are," said the two-time Halberg Award winner.
"But I think what is so impressive about New Zealand is just the people. We really pack a massive punch on the world stage."
And with many of his compatriots thriving at the elite level in motorsport classes across the globe, it's Dixon who's been the constant at the forefront.
"Obviously in my business, I think we have a driver in every top category, now we've got three in Indycar. It is so cool just to see Kiwis doing so well around the world. It makes you super proud.Â
"There's nothing better for me than flying the flag. It's the first thing I reach for when we win a race. It's really cool to come from this country."Â
While, at 45 years old, Dixon is among the elder statesmen of the IndyCar driving stable, he insists there's no absolutely sign of that final chequered flag just yet.
Scott Dixon at the Long Beach Grand Prix last year | Photo: Photosport
And when you're driving and competing like Dixon still is - despite a challenging 2025 season - you could understand why retirement is the farthest thing from his mind - while more appearances atop the podium remain the primary objective.
"I'm in a good situation where I think I can decide for myself when it's the right time and the fire still burns extremely strong," he said.
"This season was pretty rough just for a lot of things out of our control. I don't even know how we finished third in the championship. It was quite bizarre. But we've definitely got a strong teammate at the moment with Alex Palou and for him to win his first oval and being the Indy 500 champion was fantastic for him and the success that he had this year.Â
"But I hate getting beat, so it makes the fire burn stronger.Â
"So it's a lot of fun right now and where it goes, who really knows whether it's two years, five years, seven years, whatever. But we're in a good situation and really looking forward to next season, because I think we're gonna be super strong."Â
Listen to the full interview below:
