Scott Dixon in the No.9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda says that the team called it perfectly after he scored his 58th career victory in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in Detroit on Sunday, his fourth in the Motor City and his second win of the season. The Iceman started the race from fifth and avoided all of the mayhem, including the rain, to win the race just ahead of his former teammate Marcus Ericsson, while Marcus Armstrong scored his career-best result with a third-place finish.
Speaking following the race, Dixon said:
The team called it perfectly. “We were on the right strategy. We won, man. How cool is that?
“It’s just always the variables. Trying to stay out of trouble, trying to keep your car on track. We had rain. It was all over the shop out there. You had no idea how the transitions were going to fall or even the strategy. So stoked for everyone on the team. That was cool.”
Dixon, who takes an 18 point lead in the championship over teammate Alex Palou heading to Road America next weekend went on to say:
“I think I said on the radio about Lap 50 ‘I think we can make it if we stop now’. Obviously, we didn’t get THAT risky, but the team called it perfectly. We were on the right strategy. Everyone on the #9 PNC Bank Honda did a superb job, and it’s always fun to drive my Honda out there. I mean, how cool is that? All the variables made today special: trying to keep out of trouble, keep the car on track, we had rain, and all the cautions. You were just never sure how the race was going to fall. It’s just a great day.”
Marcus Armstrong had a fantastic race as he came from 19th on the grid to finish the race in third place and claimed his maiden NTT INDYCAR SERIES podium finish in third place and speaking following the race he said:
“I ran out of fuel as we came across the line, so we didn’t leave anything in the tank metaphorically or literally out there. It was a lot of fun. I’m happy with that. Exhausted, but happy! And to be part of a Honda 1-2-3-4, that’s just awesome. Road
America is my favorite track here in the states, so I’m really looking forward to that one. We’re just going to make next week a little bit more simple, ideally, and be on the podium again!”
David Salters (President, Honda Racing Corporation USA) on today’s Detroit Grand Prix:
“That was a bit better. A massive thanks to the hard work from all the men and women at HRC. Racing reflects life, you have your good days and your bad days. Trying to understand where you are, and work hard to improve, is basically ‘the secret’. Which means, there is no secret, it’s just getting on top of your current situation. Plainly, our GTP and Indy car HRC associates are excellent at this. Hats off to them for digging deep, and coming back so strong. Thank you all.”