Scott Dixon set a new NTT IndyCar Series record twice on Saturday: once when the green flag flew, and once with the checkers.
The first of his accomplishments was to become the sole holder of IndyCar’s Ironman record by competing in the 319th consecutive race held by the series.
It is an incredible accomplishment that stretches back nearly 20 years, and is a testament to the veteran’s ability to keep himself out of major trouble, and healthy, for nearly the entirety of his lengthy career.
Dixon broke a tie with one of the other beloved members of the IndyCar family Tony Kanaan, and now stands alone as the most continuously tenured driver in series history.
The 43-year-old’s accomplishments didn’t end when the race began, however, and he was able to climb from the back of the field to ultimately take his first victory of the season.
After spinning through the grass on the first lap, he masterfully managed his tires and fuel throughout the 85-lap event. He was able to hold off a charging Graham Rahal in the final laps to earn a victory at the famed circuit.
His win gives him at least one victory in 19 consecutive seasons, a record that he already held by a large margin, but extended into truly ridiculous territory this weekend.
Dixon, with his usual muted emotions, talked about how his 54th career win felt and what it means to claim a couple new records at Indianapolis.
“That was very special,” said Dixon of the Ironman record. “I think it was my good friend T.K.’s record. Yeah, I don’t know if I’ve got a text from him yet. I probably haven’t.
“Yeah, honestly to do that consecutively – I know in the mid-2000s that was tough. Those cars, when they crash, they crash pretty big. It’s nice to get on a roll there after a while. Yeah, if you could do it, that’s the way you want to do it, man.
“I felt like I had a fantastic start. I think I picked up maybe five or six spots, then got to Turn 7 and there was a bit of a backup there, just got spun around.
“Now I can say I got a spin and win at Indy, which is pretty cool. I know it’s on the road course and doesn’t count, but I’ll still go with that story,” he added with a smile.
As Dixon continues to break records, he has drawn immense respect from the entirety of the paddock. Everyone knows that he can win a race at any time, and does so with surprising frequency.
There’s even an axiom among drivers that labels any win through adversity and improbable circumstances as ‘Dixon-esque.’ Such is the skill the veteran has shown throughout the years.
Even Rahal, who was disappointed to finish second to Dixon on the day he thought he could get a victory, acknowledged his competitor is one of the best in the business.
“Look, 19 straight years with a win doesn’t happen by luck,” said Rahal. “There’s nobody else that’s anywhere close to that. But I certainly wanted one bad today, frankly.
“To come up short, you know, it definitely, definitely stings. He made the strategy work. He’s damn good at that.”
Known for many years as The Ice Man; now known as The Ironman. Dixon continues to make a lasting impression on the top level of American open wheel racing.
