Motorsport: Dixon quickest in Indy 500 practice

New Zealander Scott Dixon was the fastest in Indy 500 practice today at the Indianapolis Speedway.

The 2008 Indy 500 winner clocked 226.549 miles per hour (364.5953km/h), one of six drivers who topped 225 miles per hour during a nearly full day of practice, the Indianapolis Star reported.

Thirty-six cars got in laps today while practising for Saturday's pole day.

Mario Moraes was second fastest at 225.913 while Marco Andretti was third at 225.751.

Alex Tagliani (225.394), 2005 winner Dan Wheldon (225.378) and 2005 pole winner Tony Kanaan (225.171) also topped the 225 mark.

Morning rain delayed practice by 20 minutes, and racing was called to a halt 10 minutes early when EJ Viso hit the wall at the first turn.

Viso was taken to hospital for x-rays after being taken off the track on a stretcher. Track officials said he was complaining of back pain, but there was no further word on his condition.

It was the second crash of the day for a KV Racing Technology driver.

Brazil's Moraes damaged the rear wing and the gear box when he spun into the inside wall coming out of the pits. He was not hurt.

Practice is scheduled to resume for a fifth day tomorrow, with qualifying scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

- NZPA