Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon, driver of the No.9 PNC Bank Honda says that although it has been a trying start to the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, they have lots of positives to take from the opening five races of the season.
The Iceman endured a tough GMR Grand Prix of Indianapolis on the IMS road course on Saturday but came back to finish the race in sixth place.
Speaking following the race, Dixon said:
The PNC Bank #9 was super fast, but we got caught up in a complete mess on the first lap when Graham [Rahal] spun in front of us after he got hit. Then there was another accident in Turn 7 and I think we were like 17th or something at that point. Then we spent the rest of the race trying to make up spots. But 17th to 6th is pretty good! I think if we’d had a [mid-race] caution, we couldn’t made a run at [the victory], but congrats to Alex [Palou], that’s awesome for the whole Ganassi team.”
Dixon heads into the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 28 in seventh place in the championship on 127 points, 47 behind his teammate and championship leader Alex Palou.
Dixon will be hoping for another strong Indy 500 this year and go on to win ‘The Greatest Spectacle In Racing’.
Starting the 2022 race from pole position, The Iceman dominated the race before a pit-road speed violation saw the Kiwi having to serve a penalty dropping him down the order.
Dixon will be in action with the rest of the field including his teammates, Alex Palou, defending Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson and Takuma Sato for the opening practice of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Tuesday.