Dixon returned to the renamed PWR Championship Racing in the 2002 season, with the team switching manufacturers from Reynard to a Lola B02/00-Toyota. Dixon purposefully did not sign a long-term contract with the team so that he could switch to F1 if he impressed teams during testing. Following his two top-ten finishes at Monterrey and Motegi in the first three races, financial trouble forced PWR to disband. This prompted Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) to sign Dixon to drive its third car for the rest of the season after discussions with his family, team owner Chip Ganassi, and engine manufacturer Toyota during preparations for the Indianapolis 500. Dixon became compatible with his teammates Bruno Junqueira and Kenny Bräck and had to learn about CGR's expectations. The rest of the season saw him achieve nine top-ten finishes including a season-best second at the Grand Prix of Denver late in the year. Dixon finished 13th in the final drivers' championship standings with 97 points.
