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New Zealand driver Scott Dixon has extended his lead at the top of the IndyCar Series standings after claiming his 50th career victory in the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 on Sunday (New Zealand time).
After being forced to settle for second place behind Takuma Sato in the Indianapolis 500 last Monday (NZT), Dixon took a bit of revenge, and the Japanese driver finished second behind him this time, 0.1404 seconds behind. .
It has been 23 years since the Indy 500 winner won the race that immediately followed, and the streak continued, with Dixon holding on to the 43-year-old racer who finished quickly.
Jeff Roberson / AP
Scott Dixon secured victory in the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 to extend his leadership in the IndyCar Series.
Pato O’Ward was third, 7.0052 seconds behind Dixon, who posted his fourth win of the season in nine starts in the first of a double header at World Wide Technology Raceway in Illinois.
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“It’s totally amazing,” Dixon said of his half century.
Jeff Roberson / AP
Scott Dixon, far right, celebrates with his team after claiming his 50th career victory.
“Sato was getting strong at the end, and I didn’t realize how strong he was coming. We were going into standby mode to take care of the engine, and he was coming with a steam head.
“I am so happy for this team. Last weekend was a bit boring so it was good to get a win.
“Fifty, that sounds amazing. We have to keep hauling trucks and get some more. “
Jeff Roberson / AP
Scott Dixon takes a punch from team owner Chip Ganassi after his latest win.
The 40-year-old is seeking a sixth championship crown and already had an 84-point lead over runner-up Josef Newgarden heading into this event.
Dixon’s 51 points in this latest win have moved him to 386 overall, now 117 over Newgarden, who bagged just 18 for his 12th place.
The second race at Gateway is Monday (NZT), with three more scheduled for the season.
