Dixon grabs Indy 500 podium
Scott Dixon has shifted up to second in the IndyCar championship after finishing third in the Indianapolis 500.
The Kiwi driver started 21st on the grid for Chip Ganassi Racing and ended up the highest-placed Honda driver as Chevrolet took out three of the top four spots.
Josef Newgarden claimed the chequered flag on May 27 (NZ time) to become the first back-to-back winner of the Indianapolis 500 since Helio Castroneves 22 years ago.
Pato O’Ward finished second but was devastated at missing out on victory as Newgarden passed him on the final lap.
Dixon was satisfied with his result in the rain-delayed race, which also had numerous yellow flags, 87 lead changes and 16 different race leaders over its 200 laps.
“We gave it everything,” he says. “Honestly, I feel good because I didn’t leave anything on the track. The only way we were going to win was if the two in front took each other out.”
His compatriot Scott McLaughlin set the record for the fastest driver to take pole position and regularly led the race but had to settle for a sixth-place finish.
Kiwi Marcus Armstrong lasted only six laps before he was forced to retire with a mechanical issue.
The next action of the series is the Detroit Grand Prix on the streets of Detroit on June 3 (NZ time).
Drivers’ standings
1. Alex Palou, 183 points
2. Scott Dixon, 163pts
3. Will Power, 157pts
4. Pato O’Ward, 134pts
5. Colton Herta, 134pts
Also: 6. Scott McLaughlin, 131pts; 15. Marcus Armstrong, 81pts
