Scott Dixon seals PacWest Indy Lights deal.

New Zealander Scott Dixon has ended months of speculation and signed on the dotted line to drive in Indy Lights for PacWest.

Although the announcement has been expected for some time, the 19-year old could not be signed to PacWest until several minor contractual arrangements were this week but, with the paperwork done, Dixon is free to join young American team-mate Tony Renna to form what is expected to be one of the most competitive teams in the series.

Both drivers have tested together several times, and will head to their final test in Phoenix today before attacking the first round of the 2000 championship at Long Beach this weekend.

''It took a little time, but we finally got all the paperwork done,'' team boss Bruce McCaw said, ''Scott proved in his debut season that he has what it takes to win races, and I think he and Tony form a combination strong enough to give us a serious chance at the championship.

''We would certainly like to play a role in nurturing the careers of both drivers, and see what opportunities arise in a couple of years time.''

Dixon, who will be based only a couple of miles from the PacWest shop in Indianapolis, cannot wait to get back behind the wheel of a race car.

''PacWest is certainly one of the most professional racing teams in the world and it is a privilege to be a part of the organization,'' he said, ''I have actually been on board for a while, but it just took some time for everything to officially be signed - I think at one stage a FedEx bag was following my manager from country to country.

''I learned a tremendous amount in my first season and I look forward to using that experience this year to win races and hopefully the championship. ''I also expect to learn a lot from Paul 'Ziggy' Harcus, and hopefully be in a position where I can make a move up to Champ Car in the next couple of years.''

Dixon joins PacWest after a debut season with Johansson Motorsport in which he won at Chicago from the pole and finished fifth in the championship - missing rookie of the year honours by just one point.