Six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Scott Dixon won Sunday at the Honda Indy Toronto, but it was far from an ordinary victory.
This marks the 52nd victory of Dixon’s illustrious career and ties him with fellow legend Mario Andretti for No. 2 on the all-time INDYCAR SERIES win list. It also was the 18th consecutive INDYCAR SERIES season in which Dixon has won a race, extending his series record.
But the numbers are secondary to the relief of this fact: The long winless streak is finally over for the driver of the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.
Dixon’s last win came in May 2021 at Texas Motor Speedway. That’s a span of 23 races, the second-longest winless streak of his career.
“Probably more relieved just to get a win,” Dixon said. “There’s definitely people that just keep talking about it, which gets a bit frustrating. It’s not like anything changes. We’re still in the same process, trying just as hard.
“There are low points. I’ve had these periods in my career just where you have to be really respectful of the sport. When it comes, you got to be extremely happy about it.”
Now for more stats, as Dixon keeps stacking his corner of the INDYCAR record book. Today’s victory was Dixon’s fourth in Toronto, second at this circuit only to Michael Andretti’s seven. Dixon also is fifth in the season standings, 44 points behind his Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Marcus Ericsson.
While Dixon was relieved to end his drought, the victory couldn’t have come at a better time for Chip Ganassi Racing.
The Ganassi team is locked in a tug of war with McLaren Racing over the 2023 services of reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion and Dixon’s teammate Alex Palou. Both teams issued press releases last week saying Palou will drive for their respective teams next season.
With such fiery tension between the teams, the Iceman’s win was much needed.
“Yeah, it’s been interesting,” Dixon said. “Not the most interesting time I’ve had at this team, that’s for sure. There’s many ups and downs through everybody’s careers. It’s just a bit of a blip and a bit of noise at the moment. But (winning) definitely shows the resilience of this team.
“For me to be a part of this team is what it’s all about. I think it’s my 21st season with Chip. All but one of those wins has been with him. Very thankful for what he’s done, what his team has done, what everybody puts into this team.”
Still, conversation always tends to drift back to the mind-boggling statistics Dixon, who turns 42 this Friday, is piling up during his Hall of Fame career. While A.J. Foyt’s career record of 67 wins looks safe, Dixon would tie Foyt’s record of seven season titles with another championship. That goal is in clearer sight after Dixon’s victory Sunday.
“It’s hard; the competition’s really tough right now,” Dixon said. “But we’ll keep going, man. If we can get on a roll here and knock out some wins, anything’s possible. A.J.’s pretty safe, I think.”
Looking ahead to Hy-Vee INDYCAR Weekend doubleheader this Friday through Sunday at Iowa Speedway, Dixon is hopeful that today’s win will jump-start a sizzling summer stretch. Yet, Dixon also knows motor racing can be cruel – just like the long drought he ended today.
“I don’t want to predict anything in this sport,” Dixon said. “It’s too tough to do that. All I know is we will be trying as hard as we possibly can.”