10 Jun 2018

Dixon takes out IndyCar race in Texas

4:12 pm on 10 June 2018

New Zealand driver Scott Dixon has taken the lead in the IndyCar Championship in the US after winning two races within a week.

Scott Dixon

Scott Dixon Photo: Supplied

Dixon crossed the finish line at the Texas Motor Speedway oval track on Sunday (NZ time) four seconds ahead of runner-up Simon Pagenaud, of France.

The victory puts the four-time IndyCar series champion 23 points clear of second-placed Alexander Rossi, with eight races remaining in the season.

The 37-year-old led 119 of 248 laps in Texas, conserving fuel and finding his rhythm early after starting from seventh, before masterfully pushing his way to the front during the middle stages of the race.

Dixon also claimed the chequered flag at Detroit last weekend, meaning he has moved clear of Michael Andretti into outright third on the all-time wins list with 43.

Only American racing legends AJ Foyt (67) and Mario Andretti (52) are ahead of the Kiwi on that list.

A fifth championship crown this year would take Dixon to outright second all-time in open wheel American Championship Car racing, behind only Foyt, who won seven titles.

Dixon was set to depart the US on Monday bound for France, to again race for his Chip Ganassi team at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The next race in the IndyCar season is at the Road America track in Wisconsin on June 25.

- RNZ