New Zealand driver Scott McLaughlin has snapped a 35-race winless streak to take the chequered flag in the final race of the IndyCar series season.
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.
However, it was polesitter McLaughlin who grabbed the limelight in his Team Penske Chevrolet, leading from start to finish with a flawless drive.
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.
"My little girl [one-year-old daughter Lucy] hasn't seen me win yet and she finally has. So dad's coming home with a trophy," a delighted McLaughlin said post-race.
"Team Penske have stood beside me the whole time. We're working hard to get better. Today was a big step in the right direction.
"We had to be solid. If that's what it's going to take to win a championship, what a great warmup we had. Bring on 2027."
With two second placings also under his belt 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.
Palou has now bagged the season silverware five times, placing him third on the all-time list behind American AJ Foyt (seven) and Dixon (six).
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.
Before the race, he thanked the ongoing support of team owner Chip Ganassi, who he regarded as a close friend.
"Not winning has sucked," Dixon said.
"This year has been horrendous but Chip's been amazing. The whole team's been really amazing and I'm definitely thankful for that."
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