Kiwi IndyCar driver Scott Dixon will have to go to extremes to have a better year than he did in 2008.
“For all of us it’s exciting as everything is starting up again. I’ve been lucky enough to compete in another series, keeping myself busy,” said Dixon from St Petersburg. “But it’s bloody good to be back getting ready for an IndyCar race.”
“It’s kind of nice defending [IRL and Indy 500 titles],” said Dixon. “As long as we are consistent and work just as hard as last year we should be in a great position again.”
Never being one to rest on his laurels, Dixon’s new teammate Dario Franchitti could just be the bloke to egg him on to even bigger things.
“Dario is extremely motivated after a rough last year and he’s keen to do well at St Pete’s which will be great motivation for me. He’s definitely going to be the guy to beat this year,” said Dixon.
Dixon’s nearest challenger last year, and two-time Indy 500 champion, Helio Castroneves, has a fight on his hands just to make the grid.
Of the only two real rule changes of note for the 2009 season, one is the introduction of a softer compound tyre to encourage more overtaking.
The other - putting the car on pole - will earn drivers a point and two points go to the driver who leads the most laps.
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