By: Zach Catanzareti, Staff Writer
For the third time, The Scott Dixon-led team will have top confidence entering the Indianapolis 500, as the Chip Ganassi Racing crew scored victory in the annual pit stop competition held during Carb Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The No. 9 team lined up against Schmidt Peterson Motorsports’ James Hinchcliffe and got the win in the two-to-three final round.
Dixon, who starts ninth in Sunday’s 102nd Indy 500, knows the competition is the team’s day to truly shine. However, they will come in handy on raceday.
“It’s a big deal to show just how much of a team sport this is,” Dixon said. “It’s never just one single person. It’s many trying to achieve the same objective. I think the biggest thing for the drivers is just try not to screw it up for these guys. A lot on the line, this team and many others work very hard on these pit stops.
Winning for the third time since 2012, Dixon has an extra confidence boost himself, knowing he has the quickest crew for the toughest race.
“They put in a big effort,” he said. “They’re a hugely talented crew, work effortlessly throughout the season. I’m always grateful for what they’re able to achieve,” he said. “For me, yeah, I think I went long on maybe two of those stops there. They still did the job.
“It’s a good leadup for the weekend. I think it’s cool obviously to have this pit stop competition. Put on a great show for the crowd.”
To win #CarbDay pit stop competition it took @scottdixon9 & #Wolfpack five passes – felt like being at the start line w/@DonPrudhomme pic.twitter.com/zsQuyNawuq
— Mike Hull (@IndyMHull) May 25, 2018
These guys put a show on today! #CarbDay #Indy500 #Dixon9 pic.twitter.com/8LoeKFOWnm
— CGR IndyCar (@CGRindycar) May 25, 2018