The One To Watch: Scott Dixon, New Zealand’s Number One Export
The reality for Kiwi racing genius Scott Dixon is, he is a lot more recognisable in the USA than he is in his hometown of Auckland, New Zealand. The 17 years at the head and heart of the Chip Ganassi Racing Team has kept the Kiwi in America for almost his whole entire adult life and it is hard to remember his prodigal days in Formula Vee and Ford in the late 90’s.
Now 38, Dixon has done it all in the IndyCar series and is third on the all-time list for race wins and most for all active IndyCar drivers. From his teenage years, Dixon was going places, and fast, being financially supported onto the Australian circuits where instant success had him poised for a V8 Supercar drive. Dixon chose the States and the Indy Lights where he started with a hiss and a roar, only taking two seasons to reach the Cart series. When his team decided to take on IndyCar in 2003, it was a short wait for a trophy, Dixon wining the first race of the tenure, taking the chequered flag twice more and the championship while he was at it. It was some arrival and although frustrating years ensued, his second title came in 2008; the year he got his taste of the Indy 500 milk.
Years either side of his Indy 500 win, Dixon’s star hadn’t waned but had to deal with Dario Franchitti. Dixon would find himself second fiddle to the Brit often over the seasons and his patience and performance was finally rewarded with a championship in 2013 then again in 2015. The hunger was evidently strong and still is now, holding the 2018 championship lead with seven races to go at time of writing.
Fast approaching 40 (old for motorsport), Dixon could walk away more than satisfied with his success but there is plenty left in the tank. Although desperate for another Indycar 500 title to follow up his 2008 triumph, Dixon can lean on four titles, several team and series records and a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to motorsport. The consistency on the track is one thing, but the scarce show of loyalty and character to stay at one team for this time has put Dixon in rarefied company. In a heavily commercial industry, Dixon’s stickability is legendary and it wouldn’t be amiss to see him chugging milk from the bottle again.
INDYCAR STATS*
Starts: 297
Poles: 26
Wins: 43
Championships: 4
*As at July 1st 2018