Dixon, McLaughlin in gripping duel
New Zealand IndyCar stars Scott Dixon and Scott McLaughlin put in strong performances at the Grand Prix of Alabama yesterday.
Dixon weaved his way through the field from 13th on the starting grid to finish fifth at the Barber Motorsports Park track, while McLaughlin had an up and down day but finished on the tail of Dixon for sixth to consolidate his impressive season.
They had a great duel over the final third of the race, including a brave save from McLaughlin at one stage that threatened to derail his race.
Mexico’s Pato O’Ward won with Spain’s Alex Palou second.
The result catapulted Palou, the
2021 champion, into the championship lead.
McLaughlin remains second and just 10 points separate the top four drivers after four races as the drivers start to eye the Indianapolis 500 on May 30.
McLaughlin started the day five points off the lead and is just threepoints adrift of Palou. Dixon lies sixth overall.
Dixon had a rollercoaster day in Alabama. Starting from fourth he was up to second at one stage and as low as 10th. But his growing presence in this glamour single-seater championship was clear as he kept his cool to collect more invaluable points.
Victory was a big revival for O’Ward, who is on the verge of signing a new contract as he moved back into the championship picture.
‘‘It’s all smiles and unicorns, man,’’ O’Ward said.
O’Ward entered the season vocally unhappy about his current contract with Arrow McLaren SP, which has the popular Mexican signed through 2024 to team-friendly terms. O’Ward wanted more money, more assurances for his Formula One aspirations and a new contract.
The victory rocketed O’Ward from ninth to fifth in the standings.
The win made Chevrolet 4 for 4 as IndyCar heads next to Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 14.