Scott Dixon has piled on the praise of the New Zealand motorsport scene in his post-race press conference following his miraculous win on the Indianapolis road course over the weekend.
Speaking to the media at the venue, Dixon was questioned on the influence of the Kiwis in the paddock, including Hunter McElrea, Marcus Armstrong, Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen, who was racing in NASCAR on the same bill. He also quickly pointed out the support he received from various parties in his early years.
Despite being born in Australia, Dixon made note that it doesn’t reflect his nationality. “Well, I was born there, but it’s a technicality,” he laughed.
“There’s a lot of talent down there,” he continued. “The heritage in New Zealand is big. Even if you go back to the 60s and 70s, F1 drivers like Bruce McLaren and his team that he set up, and some of the best drivers that raced for some of the best teams in those early years.
“That’s what my dad loved about motor racing, and then what I loved about motor racing. As far as sports go, it’s pretty up there. I think cricket and sailing are pretty high up in New Zealand, but in motorsport, there is a huge following down there and in Australia as well.
“It’s a small country. We’ve got five million people, so having Armstrong in the same team is cool. You’ve also got Earl Bamber on the IMSA/WEC side. You’ve got Shane van Gisbergen, that’s maybe going to be running too.
“It’s just the passion, but I think you’ve also got to thank Peter Johnston and the Giltraps and those families down there. A lot of us struggled for money or didn’t have any money whatsoever, so they’ve helped fund the likes of myself, Brendon Hartley, Earl Bamber, Shane van Gisbergen, and even Armstrong.
“The Giltraps have done a lot for motor racing, and without them, a lot of us wouldn’t be here.”
When asked to further elaborate on van Gisbergen’s presence in the United States, Dixon admitted he had tried to get the three-time Supercars champion to jump in an IndyCar.
“I’ve tried for years to get Shane to come and at least test an IndyCar,” he said. “It just didn’t work out. Even in the IMSA program, I think he would have been huge and a great teammate in that.
“He’s talked a lot about America. This is probably more of his wheelhouse, at least the road and street. The oval racing is definitely on another level. Even for someone like myself, trying to make that transition would be extremely tough.
“It’s cool to see him. He’s a huge talent. The guy’s crazy good, even at fricken indoor go-karting. I’ve been with him many times, and he’s super fast. It’s cool to see the success that he had. I was cheering so hard for him at the Chicago race.
“Even [on Friday night] in the trucks, he did a pretty good job for his first ever race on an oval, and he qualified 8th [at IMS], so he’s got a bright future, hopefully.”
When asked what the future holds, the 43-year-old admitted his passion for the sport is still strong, and he has plenty more to give.
“What it all comes down to for me is that I love racing. That’s the fun part for me when the race starts or even for a test. I enjoy being in the car. It’s tough.
“The IndyCar Series right now is extremely competitive. There’s so much depth between the driver and team combos that it’s very hard to win. You’re constantly chasing a moving target, which is fun, and that’s what keeps you fresh and inspired, especially when you have great teammates who are very fast as well.”
Dixon’s victory after recovering from a Lap 1 spin moves him to second in the standings with three rounds left to run in the 2023 IndyCar season. He will return to action at the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 on August 27 for the final oval race of the campaign.
Well done Scotty
You are a credit to the whole team/country and it is up to you to keep the dream going’
I worked with Graham Watson and was in awe when I met Kenny Smith. Here were two guys that made a mini look big!
We ran Scott in Australia when he was 16, and had a great time, he was so calm and composed even then and I truly felt he was going all the way. He was also a really good bloke and I miss seeing him but feel so proud. Kenny and all the Kiwis were great and the motor racing history truly amazing. It was an honour to help Kenny over the years and see the talent he has helped and still does. The land of the long white cloud of burning rubber. The home of motor racing legends.
So good to see all those drivers and teams , archiving such high skills in a very competitive arena like NASCAR, awesome 💯.
GOAT
Well done Scott
Kiwis boxing above their weight
I worked for the Giltraps during the 80’s & applaud their asssistance they have offered to Kiwi’s to reach their potential
Awesome effort Scotty we are all rooting for your success here in NZ, you are doing it all of us who can’t, age is no barrier to experience which you proved in this race, a spin puts you way back mentally and physically great fight back, GO HARD or GO HOME. You have every chance of winning this season, go the Kiwi’s 👍😎
Its great to see all the kiwi drivers get a mention except Hayden Paddon whose been at the top of rally cars never seems to make the list 😀
Yes thats very true, I am a big fan of Hayden and believe he got a raw deal from Hyundai WRC.
Legend Scott. And my one cents worth…. any passion that comes from exposure to any sport is magnified in New Zealand. We kinda get a buzz just stepping into the pit area and feel the vibe going on. I was involved in speedway back in the 70’s as a pit crew mechanic, those guys are crazy ass petrol heads. But a cold beer and a steak on the bbq afterwards you are like a long lost brother.
This DNA is what drives Kiwi motorsports, sure the money helps but the camaradarie makes it all worthwhile, and that goes for bikes, jet sprints and everything included. You just ask those Americans who have come down under to race.