Dixon chases fifth IndyCar title
The IndyCars are back and in Florida for the Grand Prix of St Petersburg — the traditional opening race on the IRL calendar since 2009 (apart from 2010, when it was the second but first on American soil). Helio Castroneves has enjoyed the most success here, winning three times — three more than Scott Dixon, who has yet to win at the track. He finished third last year after qualifying second. France’s Sebastien Bourdais, who brought out the red flag in qualifying, won from the back of the grid to continue the domination of foreign drivers here. Since IndyCars first raced on the streets of St Petersburg in 2003, Graham Rahal, in 2008, remains the only American to win. Dixon is back in car No 9 with Chip Ganassi Racing and has just the one teammate, Briton Ed Jones, 22, the 2017 Rookie of the Year. Ten rookies are lining up for the 17-race 2018 schedule, with Danica Patrick pencilled in to return for six races including the Indy 500 for Ed Carpenter Racing, after turning her back on Nascar. Dixon, chasing a fifth title, is into his 13th season. Only twice has he finished outside the top three — fourth in 2006 and sixth 10 years later.
● Scott Dixon is chasing his first win in the IndyCar season opener at St Petersburg.
Today, ARL Premier Nines, Stanmore Bay from 10am.
Super Rugby, today, Hurricanes v Crusaders, Westpac Stadium 7.35pm; Friday, Chiefs v Bulls, FMG Stadium 7.35pm.
Club, today 2.45pm, home team first, Counties Manukau, McNamara Cup, round one, Karaka v Pukekohe; Manurewa v Ardmore Marist; Onewhero v Bombay; Patumahoe v Papakura; Waiuku v Te Kauwhata. Today/tomorrow, NZ men’s open club championships (continue), Lower Hutt. NZ women’s open club championships (continue), Christchurch.
Today, Rolling Thunder, final round, Western Springs (gates open 4pm; racing from 6.145pm).
Events for this column? Send ● details to Terry Maddaford at maddaford@xtra.co.nz