It's often been said that Scott Dixon's incredible achievements in motorsport are considered in higher regard overseas than they are back here in New Zealand. And perhaps an announcement made yesterday by the city mayor of Indianapolis underlines the thought best.
Speaking on the day of the premiere of Born Racer — a newly released biopic produced by Roger Donaldson that plots Dixon's climb up the American racing ladder — mayor Joe Hogsett declared that 24th would be known as 'Scott Dixon Day'.
"Scott Dixon, a native of New Zealand, brought his racing talents to Indianapolis 20 years ago, where he still lives with his wife, Emma, and their two daughters Poppy and Tilly," said Hogsett in his proclamation.
"Throughout his impressive career, he has won 44 IndyCar races, placing him third on the all-time IndyCar wins list. On September 16, 2018 in Sonoma, California, Scott made history when he won his fifth IndyCar championship, becoming the runner-up for total number of IndyCar championships behind the legendary A.J. Foyt.
"Now, therefore, I, Joseph H.Hogsett, Mayor of the city of Indianapolis, do hereby proclaim September 24, 2018 to be: Scott Dixon Day. In the City of Indianapolis, and I ask all citizens to join me in this observation."
Click here: Dixon credits team with 5th IndyCar title: "It's all about the people"
Dixon's fifth IndyCar Series title now ranks him as one of the most successful athletes of the modern era in their chosen discipline. It's not too much to take the Kiwi's stats and line them up alongside Sebastien Loeb's nine WRC titles, Jimmie Johnson's seven Nascar titles, and Michael Schumacher's seven Formula 1 titles.
The 38-year-old's titles are particularly impressive, given that they don't align with any one particular phase in time. None are consecutive (having been awarded in 2003, 2008, 2013, 2015, and now 2018), which showcases a consistent level of achievement and perhaps emphasises that each title was earned through consistency and talent ... instead of simply because he had the quickest car and the best package.
Indeed, Dixon's Chip Ganassi Racing squad have faced heavy adversity in recent seasons, as their arsenal of drivers and backers has depleted as arch rivals Penske Racing's has grown.
There were rumours that Dixon was potentially on the move from his long-time team at the end of the season, to take up a drive going with McLaren. But those thoughts were quashed last month when the Kiwi confirmed a multi-year deal to stick with Ganassi beyond 2019.
For all intents and purposes, it looks like he will finish his IndyCar career with the team with which he's accomplished so much. And, climbing a few more rungs in the history books could well be the target.
Read Mayor Joe Hogsett's full proclamation below
To all whom these presents may come, greetings:
WHEREAS, Scott Dixon, a native of New Zealand, brought his racing talents to Indianapolis 20 years ago, where he still lives with his wife, Emma, and their two daughters Poppy and Tilly; and
WHEREAS, in 2008, Scott won the 92nd Indianapolis 500 from pole position, and throughout his impressive career, he has won 44 IndyCar races, placing him third on the all-time IndyCar wins list; and
WHEREAS, on September 16, 2018 in Sonoma, California, Scott made history when he won his fifth IndyCar championship, becoming the runner-up for total number of IndyCar championships behind the legendary A.J. Foyt. He is also the longest-tenured driver to compete for the Chip Ganassi Racing team, completing his 17th season with the team in 2018; and
WHEREAS, today, the City of Indianapolis celebrates Scott Dixon’s growing list of racing accomplishments with the world premiere of “Born Racer,” a documentary about his career and the Chip Ganassi Racing team, at the Indiana State Museum, and we honor Scott for his incomparable accomplishments in racing;
Now, therefore, I, Joseph H.Hogsett, Mayor of the city of Indianapolis, do hereby proclaim September 24, 2018 to be: Scott Dixon Day. In the City of Indianapolis, and I ask all citizens to join me in this observation.