Dixon Claims 6th Victory at Meijer Indy 300

In a nail-biting finish that saw Scott Dixon pass Helio Castroneves on the last turn at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky, Dixon claimed not only the race but his 6th victory of the season. The accomplishment has tied Dixon with the current IndyCar record – one which he looks set to break if he keeps going at his current pace.

In a nail-biting finish that saw Scott Dixon pass Helio Castroneves on the last turn at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky, Dixon claimed not only the race but his 6th victory of the season. The accomplishment has tied Dixon with the current IndyCar record – one which he looks set to break if he keeps going at his current pace.

To be sure the New Zealander looked set to claim the victory cup early on in the Meijer Indy 300. He dominated most of the 200-lap event and seemed to be unstoppable. But racing isn’t only about skill – it’s also about strategy and the team’s strategy required a fuel stop right near the end of the race. The stop gave Brazilian Helio Castroneves a chance to slip into first place and offered him a glimmer of hope for his first victory of the season. It was a bold move since Catroneves didn’t have much more fuel in his tank but it looked for a moment like it may pay off. However Scott Dixon screamed out the pits like a banshee on steroids and within minutes it was clear he was gaining on Castroneves. But was it too late? Castroneves had managed to pull into first place with just six laps to go and Dixon would have to work really hard to ensure that he caught up and overtook him before the race was over.

After a few rounds, Dixon gained steadily making things really exciting for spectators. He saw his chance when the race leader slowed down coming off the fourth turn due to a fuel shortage. Dixon shot past the Brazilian on the final straightway of the 1.5-mile Kentucky Speedway oval, making for an exciting finish in the last few seconds of the race. Speaking about the race afterwards, Dixon said: “I knew he was a little bit slow and I could see us catching him, and to get him on the last corner was pretty fantastic.” The win extends Scott Dixon’s lead over Castroneves by 13 points to 78. Castroneves finished in second place for the seventh time this year. There are just three races remaining this season and that means that Dixon is short on time to try and beat the current IndyCar record. He’ll also have to work hard to maintain his points lead and win the championship.