In motor racing terms in America, the month of May is like no other. While the format has changed over the years, the run-up to the Indianapolis 500 is one of the most demanding, sapping and emotional four weeks for any driver, team or engineer. Even the fans find it hard to walk away from another delayed session due to weather when so much is on the line in what remains one of the most fascinating lead ups to a race in the world.
While a lot of the spectacle surrounded Alonso and McLaren’s non-qualification and glaring miss-steps along the way, New Zealand’s Scott Dixon was doing what he does best. Quietly going about the business of being consistent and peaking at the perfect time of the Indy Car year by entering its biggest race as its favourite.
In fact, it won’t surprise you to know that the Americans have an expression for it. “The Power Rankings”.
“Using Indy cars advanced statistics and data, they have developed a weighted formula to rate the NTT IndyCar Series drivers after each race this season so far.”
No surprise then, steady as you go Scott Dixon is No 1 in the “Power rankings” going into the 103 running of the Indianapolis 500.
Scott has had unremarkable to start for his quest for back to back titles by his standards. In fact, the headlines have often been about the crop of new stars like Colten Herta, Pato O‘Ward and Scott’s new superfast teammate Felix Rosenquist. Five drivers have won races this year and Scott isn’t one of them.
That said Scott has quietly and consistently gone about his business getting four podiums from five starts including his third runner up finish at the Grand Prix in Indianapolis a few weeks ago.
Second in the championship and 18th on the grid for the 500 Dixon is a great position to once again bring Chip Ganassi and his team more glory if not a little for himself. This is Scott’s 18th season for Chip Ganassi racing the longest tenure for any driver with one team in the history of the sport.
In the hyperbole leading up to “the Greatest Spectacle in Racing’, those sorts of facts don’t make the headlines and frankly that doesn’t bother the polite and gentlemanly Aucklander.
He lets his driving and the record books speak volumes for his tenacity and brilliance over his historic career.
For Dixon, it’s his 17th run at the famous race which he won 11 years ago. He is all too aware of what that win in 2008 meant back then and what that means now. He knows all too well what double points can do for one’s championship hopes as he goes for number 6 and back to back titles.:
“Now is definitely the time to strike,” Dixon said. “Winning an Indianapolis 500 definitely helps the championship. They go hand in hand. So, yeah, that’s all we’re thinking about right now, is today.”
In 2008 after the 500 win Dixon went on to collect his second title and he’s all for doing it again.
“Why not both? That’s why we’re here, right, is to get both. Chip sets those goals every year,” Dixon said.
So enjoy the all American Razz a Matazz, the flyover, the balloons, ‘Way back home in Indiana’ blaring out across the hallowed asphalt, and the fastest 200 laps you’ll ever see,
But keep an eye out for the #9, for it is Scott Dixon with 44 wins and five titles who is racing for the record books this Sunday.
Headlines and “Power Rankings” are for the other guys. Scott Dixon is right where needs to be to keep his amazing story and excellent understated start to the year right on course for another historic Indy success.
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