Dixon Triumphs at Mid-Ohio, Capitalizes on Palou’s Late Error
Scott Dixon, at 44, secured his 60th career win at Mid-Ohio, executing a masterclass race strategy to claim victory despite starting from the ninth position. Teammate Alex Palou, who dominated for 85 laps, faltered with five laps remaining—allowing Dixon to leap from second to first and secure the win.
Dixon’s success came during a challenging two-stop race strategy that allowed him to conserve fuel and effectively leapfrog competitors who opted for three stops. While Palou appeared poised for victory, his late-track mishap shifted the narrative and handed Dixon the chance he had long sought after past disappointments.
“I knew the two-stop strategy was viable after we saw the early caution,” Dixon remarked. “We focused on fuel mileage and balance during warm-up. The first stint went smoothly, but I encountered issues with the left-front tire in the second stint, which complicated things.”
Despite being required to make crucial adjustments during the race, Dixon showcased both strategic acumen and racecraft. “I was worried about our setup on the last stop, but the team executed flawlessly. It was satisfying to turn the tables after my earlier misfortunes this season,” he added.
Palou, who has won three championships since joining Ganassi in 2021, acknowledged Dixon’s tenacity. “Dixon showed relentless pursuit today. It’s a tough learning experience, but it’s part of racing,” Palou stated.
This race reaffirmed Dixon’s status as a seasoned competitor amid a new generation of drivers, as both men stand as pivotal figures in Chip Ganassi Racing’s roster. With Dixon’s victory, the series title race is set to intensify as the season progresses.
