28 Aug 2012

Dixon spins out at Sonoma but still in contention

5:29 am on 28 August 2012

Auckland racing driver Scott Dixon remains in contention in the IndyCar series, despite a first-lap tangle ruining his race at the latest event at Sonoma.

Dixon started on the third row of the grid but spun out on the first lap after being caught by title rival Helio Castroneves, for which Castroneves copped a drive-through penalty that put the Brazilian down the field - but the clash cost Dixon 11 places, which he never recovered from, finishing 13th.

Australian Ryan Briscoe won for his seventh career victory ahead of his Team Penske team-mate Will Power with Dixon's team-mate Dario Franchitti in third.

With two races remaining, eight drivers are still mathematically in contention for the title. Power's second place means he increases his series lead over Ryan Hunter-Reay, who also had a tangle and finished 18th.

Castroneves still managed sixth place and is third overall. Dixon's fourth.