As the 2024 Indianapolis 500 approaches, Scott Dixon remains the unparalleled figure in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, capturing attention not only for his remarkable history but also for his relentless performance at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Despite the dominant early season form of teammate Alex Palou, who claimed four of the first five victories, the veteran driver’s legacy and current speed place him firmly in the spotlight. With unmatched race records and enduring skill, Dixon continues to prove why he is a central contender for the prestigious May 25 event, reminding fans and rivals alike that his status as one of IndyCar’s greatest racers is far from diminished.
Scott Dixon’s presence resonates strongly in every practice and qualifying session, underscoring why he is viewed as a benchmark at Indy. Palou, the series points leader, openly acknowledges Dixon’s exceptional pace and expertise, noting his teammate’s ability to set the speed standard almost immediately during practice sessions.
Palou remarked, highlighting how it took others an hour or two just to match Dixon’s benchmark. Their close collaboration in daily debriefings offers Palou a direct window into Dixon’s insights and strategy, which are deeply rooted in years of consistent excellence rather than empty praise.
Dixon’s Indianapolis 500 résumé is unmatched, boasting records that speak volumes about his dominance. With 16 starts leading the race out of his 22 attempts, he holds the record for most race laps led at 677 and the highest number of occasions leading the event at 74. Only four drivers have crossed the 10,000-mile mark in this iconic race, and Dixon stands among them, underscoring a career defined by both longevity and competitiveness. Furthermore, while Rick Mears holds the edge with six Indy 500 poles, Dixon’s five poles position him just behind the legendary driver. The upcoming race will also mark his breaking of Mario Andretti’s all-time INDYCAR SERIES record for career starts, further cementing his place in motorsport history.
Yet, despite his numerous achievements, winning this iconic race multiple times remains an unfinished chapter in Dixon’s illustrious career. Having led laps in several recent Indy 500s — 111 laps in 2020 and 95 in 2022 — the victory lane has eluded him, a frustrating streak underscored by near misses and tough breaks. As Palou puts it,
Across his career, Dixon has secured three second-place finishes, two third-place results, and nine top-five placements at the Indianapolis 500, showcasing impressive consistency even if ultimate success has sometimes slipped just out of reach. His third-place finish last year behind Josef Newgarden and Pato O’Ward illustrated his ability to continuously challenge the top contenders.
Dixon reflected after last year’s race.
Expressing the emotional toll of near victories, he confessed,
Notably, Dixon’s consistency extends beyond finishes. Since a crash in the 2017 race caused by contact after Turn 1, he has avoided early exits, emphasizing both skill and resilience. His early-season IndyCar performances also reflect his race-day strengths; though his average starting position stands at 13.2 after five races, his average finish is six spots better, demonstrating his ability to improve position once the green flag drops. If not for Palou’s hot streak, Dixon’s results might be receiving even more focus from the media and fans, a testament to the fierce competition within Chip Ganassi Racing.
Rival drivers recognize Dixon’s persistent threat. Graham Rahal acknowledged the duo’s speed and race craft, emphasizing the challenge Dixon poses:
Such praise from competitors underlines Dixon’s enduring relevance amid a field constantly pushing for supremacy.
Dixon himself has noted some recent frustrations with his equipment, citing “a lot of small things” that have hindered his performance in the early races and past Indy 500s. Nevertheless, he remains confident that his strong start this month at IMS signals performance gains and potential for a race day breakthrough. His recent practice results reinforce that belief, with a fourth-place finish on Tuesday’s speed chart just behind Palou and a similar standing on Wednesday, reaching speeds over 225 mph and only trailing Team Penske’s Will Power. These showings send a clear message to his rivals: Dixon is still a force to be reckoned with when it matters most.
The technical preparation for the team has also evolved, with Ganassi Racing’s new partnership with Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb-Agajanian adding fresh perspectives and resources. In particular, both Dixon and Palou benefit from daily debriefs with Helio Castroneves, a four-time Indy winner whose experience rivals even Dixon’s. However, Dixon has found Castroneves to be somewhat reserved in sharing insights during preparations, joking,
Palou summed up the broader sentiment about Dixon’s form, affirming that his confidence is “super high” and that he doesn’t require advice to maintain his competitive edge. This quiet assurance, backed by decades of success and an array of records, indicates that Scott Dixon’s IndyCar legacy is not only secure but also actively shaping the 2024 Indianapolis 500 narrative. As the race day nears, fans and rivals alike brace for a gripping battle where Dixon’s blend of experience, speed, and determination may finally translate into another triumphant chapter at “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
