Dixon Finds Destiny After Indy 500 Domination

When Scott Dixon won CART’s Nazareth race in 2001 at the ripe age of 20, it was obvious then that Dixon was destined for open-wheel greatness.

Dixon inched closer to an unparalleled destiny in 2003 when he captured the Indy Racing League championship in his first year in the series.

Then, on Sunday, May 25, 2008, Dixon discovered the Holy Grail and arrived at his absolute destiny when he won the Indianapolis 500 from the pole position in one of the most dominating performances in history.

By a show of hands, who honestly thought Vitor Meira was going to win the race?

Mr. Meira, please put your hand down.

Meira’s victory, although heart-warming, would have spoiled Dixon’s perfect month.

From the moment Dixon’s No. 9 Target machine rolled off the trailer, he was the odds-on favorite to capture the Indy crown. Dixon ran the day’s fastest lap four times throughout the month, including pole day, which gave Dixon the essential advantage of starting up front. Despite a few unorthodox restarts, Dixon was flawless on race day and led 115 laps en route to manhandling the competition.

It is a shame that another Danica Patrick temper tantrum, Tony Kanaan’s feud with teammate Marco Andretti, and 60 mind-numbing caution laps stole the headlines. But, nevertheless, Dixon will go down as one of the most deserving Indy 500 champions in history. His charismatic personality will do nothing but generate millions in terms of revenue and endorsements for himself, his team, and the IRL.

The media has unfairly tabbed Dixon as The Iceman because of his dry personality that rivals the emotional depth of a stone. If 12 career victories, a series championship, and earning $2.9 million for winning the Indy 500 are qualities of an Iceman, than I am sure Dixon will not mind the unmerited criticism.

It is difficult to believe that Dixon, who has a career’s worth of accomplishments by age 27, is just hitting his peak.

His potential is priceless. If Dixon were to get the NASCAR itch, his car owner Chip Ganassi would be more than happy to oblige. Imagine this for a race team: 2000 Indy 500 winner Juan Pablo Montoya, 2007 Indy champ Dario Franchitti, and reigning Indy winner Dixon. Sponsors would flock to Ganassi’s garage.

But, there is no need to get ahead of ourselves. Although that trio of drivers as teammates would be a media gold mine, open-wheel success in no way guarantees similar success in NASCAR. Montoya, 2006 Indy 500 champ Sam Hornish, Jr., and Franchitti currently rank 17th, 34th, and 42nd in NASCAR’s season standings. The three have combined for just 1 victory in 69 total starts.

Note to Dixon: Stay where you are!

Dixon will undoubtedly be approached numerous times in the upcoming years about jumping to NASCAR. And why not? NASCAR bosses tend to prey on Indy 500 winners. When NASCAR owners come calling, Dixon needs to follow the same advice that drug ads offer: Just Say No!

After years of perseverance and hard work, Dixon has arrived at his destiny. Now, it is time to fulfill it for years to come the only way a Kiwi can.