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IndyCar News
Dixon IndyCar dominance continues
28/07/2008
Scott Dixon’s IndyCar dominance continued on Sunday 27 July as the Target Chip Ganassi driver held off closest rival Helio Castroneves to take the chequered flag at the Rexall Edmonton Indy.
Dixon had pursued Team Penske team-mates Castroneves and pole sitter Ryan Briscoe for most of the first half of the race until they all pitted under the third caution of the afternoon. Dixon beat both Penske cars out of the pits, eventually taking the lead.
Dixon’s win at Edmonton is the fifteenth race win of his career and his fourth win this season, giving the New Zealander a 65 point lead at the top of the table. Castroneves is yet to claim a win but has 11 top-five finishes from 14 races. Justin Wilson finished third at Edmonton, his best IndyCar finish this season, whilst Paul Tracy claimed fourth.
Firestone engineers brought their most durable road-course tyre specification to Edmonton, the same compound and construction as previously used at Watkins Glen this season. The Edmonton tyre however had increased tread thickness (gauge) to withstand the demanding airport circuit.
Scott Dixon, #9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone, said:
"Fantastic! The Target guys really nailed it in the pits. All credit to my guys, it was a textbook day. The Firestone Firehawk tyres were great today - they were really consistent, and I think a lot of times there we could have double-stinted them. They were really lasting a long time. So we were definitely happy with the Firestone tyres - they performed great."
Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing, said:
"Based on our company's past experience at this track, we came to Edmonton with our hardest road course tyre. They certainly held up very well - durability wasn't an issue. It looks like we may even be able to go a little softer with our spec for this event next year. We have a lot of data to consider for future races at this unique track, and many of the Edmonton fans were asking if we would ever bring back the 'alternate tyre' program we offered here from 2005-2007. It was great to hear that interest, and it's definitely something we will think about and work with the IndyCar Series to see if we can add yet another piece of strategy into the always-entertaining show these drivers put on."
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