Scott Dixon has left the Grand Prix of Long Beach frustrated following contact from IndyCar rival Pato O’Ward, which forced him out of contention.
The move from O’Ward came on Lap 20, with the Mexican diving up the inside late at Turn 8, sending Dixon nose-first into the wall.
Dixon was able to return to running after limping back to the lane, lasting another 17 laps before eventually retiring with oil pressure issues which Chip Ganassi Racing attributed to the earlier impact.
When speaking with event televisor NBC Sports during the race, the Kiwi great expressed his frustration towards O’Ward’s dive.
“That seemed extremely late,” he said. “I wouldn’t have chosen to do that. If that’s how the series wants us to race, then I guess it’s all gloves off from this point.”
When shown a replay, Dixon stated “It starts way before that, we’re already committed to the corner. I understand there’s tyre deg and all that stuff going on, but I wouldn’t have chosen to do that.
“But, if that’s how the series wants us to race, then I guess it’s all gloves off from this point and that’s how it would be.”
Dixon, who was announced as a 2024 inductee to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America prior to the event, ran towards the back of the field following the incident, managing a pass on Simon Pagenaud before eventually returning to the lane.
“We passed the No. 60 but then just lost drive after that and got back to the pits. Frustrating day,” he said.
Dixon’s strong feelings towards O’Ward’s role in the accident weren’t reciprocated by the four-time race winner, who says he wasn’t at fault for the crash.
“I was on the inside, he decided to stay on the outside, and I’m pretty much alongside him,” said O’Ward. “I’ve been racing Scott for a few years. If he feels like it’s my fault then I’m sorry he feels that way. I don’t agree.
“I’m not going to apologize for that. We’re racing. If you’re on the outside you’re more vulnerable to those things happening.”
It didn’t take long for O’Ward to be involved in more drama, spinning into the same Turn 8 barriers as he tried to avoid contact with eventual race winner Kyle Kirkwood off the restart of the caution from the earlier incident.
He eventually returned to the race to finish 17th, one lap off the pace.
“The other issue I had in Turn 8 was completely my fault,” O’Ward said. “I let my team down, and the amazing crowd that came out today.
“By the time I remembered to stop the car, it was already too late. I didn’t want to take out Kirkwood, so I slammed on the brakes and spun.
“I’m disappointed with myself to be making those stupid moves. Not up to the level that I expect from myself.”
