Scott Dixon, of New Zealand, prepares to drive during the final practice session for the Indianapolis 500. Photo / AP
Scott Dixon, of New Zealand, prepares to drive during the final practice session for the Indianapolis 500. Photo / AP
The greatest spectacle in racing unleashes tomorrow morning at the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500.
One of the greatest IndyCar drivers of all time - New Zealander Scott Dixon - will start from pole (his fourth) with fellow Kiwi Scott McLaughlin starting in 17th.
Dixon is the bookies andfan favourite to win a companion for his 2008 Borg Warner trophy. The six-time IndyCar champion (and series points leader) should have more Indy 500 titles, having finished inside the top three five times.
"This year with the weather forecast and the added downforce on the cars it should be a very tight and compact field," Dixon told the Herald on Sunday.
"There's likely to be a few crashes — I'll be hoping everyone will be okay — so it's going to be a tough race.
"Starting out front reduces the chance of being involved in any early race incidents and if something does go wrong early you have time to recover from it.
"The way the pace goes up and down depending on fuel mileage, it's intense. It's a race of trying to keep your emotions in check and if they do get up, make sure it's at the right time.
Scott Dixon, of New Zealand, stands on pit road during the final practice session for the Indianapolis 500. Photo / AP
"It'll be interesting to see how the racing is, as everyone's looking pretty racy. It's a strange place man, the track definitely picks its winner most of the time."
All the Chip Ganassi Racing drivers have been the ones to beat since the opening practice laps two weeks ago. The flying Kiwi sat top of the time charts in practice three and five, day one of qualifying, the fast nine, and yesterday's final practice session. All three of Dixon's teammates - Alex Palou, Marcus Ericsson and Tony Kannan - made the fast nine.
"All four Ganassi cars have been quick and for all of them to be in the fast nine is pretty much a team owner's dream. It's all about preparation and it's is really a team effort right from the advanced engineering group, mechanics and even to the carbon guys," said Dixon.
"There's just such a big effort for that race for the pole that it's good to reward everyone for their effort.
"It doesn't really mean anything in the race as it's just your starting position, but for us as a team it's rewarding for all the work that goes into just those four laps going for pole."
Dixon has been suffering a head cold for over a week and was battling a pounding head during qualifying and the race for pole.
Not the ideal preparation for the biggest race on the IndyCar calendar.
"I'm a bit better now, but still got a bit of a sinus problem. It's been annoying as I've had it since Thursday or Friday last week. I had to finally take antibiotics, which seems to be to working now. It'll be all good," said Dixon.
The biggest threat to a Dixon is one of the most powerful teams on the grid. However, Team Penske has had a horror run-up to the race.
The best of their four drivers is rookie McLaughlin in 17th with Josef Newgarden 21st, and former winners Simon Pagenaud 26th and Will Power 32nd.
"For Will it will be especially frustrating. It was a combination of few things that didn't go their way. To have him trying to race his way into the field was kind of crazy," said Dixon.
"To have two Penske cars on the back of the grid is pretty interesting."
