Dixon celebrates happy 21st Indy

Published date27 May 2023
AuthorEric Thompson
Publication titleWeekend Herald
The 42-year-old Kiwi has featured prominently in the iconic race for most of this century, with 12 top-10 and five podium finishes

The six-time IndyCar champion has won the Indy 500 just once — in 2008 — and has endured some agonising near misses in his bid for the chequered flag.

Twice, he appeared to have the race won, only for a late caution seeing the race finish under yellow or leaving him with too few laps to execute a winning strategy.

But Dixon insists he’s content regardless of where he places as long as he has given everything, and points out he’s among a handful of drivers who even get to start one of world motorsport’s most famous races each year.

“If I can get out of the car at the end of the race knowing I’ve done the best I can and given 100 per cent, I’m happy, win or lose,” Dixon said from Indianapolis.

“If you look at the big picture, I’ve been very lucky to be doing what I’m doing. If you look at the top categories in the world, like F1, IndyCar, Nascar, there are probably less than 100 who get to do it.

“Some years, you come here with a lot of pressure. This year, I’m just going with the flow, as there are so many things out of your control.”

Dixon’s enthusiasm for the event dubbed the greatest spectacle in racing is undimmed.

“Man, I just love this place. It’s a fun race but also a tough race — so mentally tough and exhausting. It’s also the biggest race in the world, and you want to give it everything and win it.”

Dixon was gunning for his third straight...

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