The moment of truth has arrived for Scott Dixon.
Not on the racetrack for Indy car racing’s third all-time race winner. Rather, on the obstacle course for NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior.”
Dixon, the four-time Verizon IndyCar Series champion who drives for Chip Ganassi Racing, ventured out of his comfort zone in late April to compete in the Indianapolis city qualifier for the popular obstacle course challenge show. The results of that qualifier air at 9 p.m. ET/PT today.
While not divulging how he fared, Dixon was proud to compete in Indianapolis – the city he has called home for close to 20 years.
“This city is a big sports city,” the 37-year-old said. “It’s obviously the home of the Indianapolis 500, our biggest and marquee event that we have during the season. There were a ton of people here (in April) rooting on not just me as an INDYCAR driver, but many others. That was really cool. I tried to do my best to fly the flag at least a little bit for our hometown.”
Among those cheering Dixon on were fellow drivers Tony Kanaan, Charlie Kimball, Kyle Kaiser and Pippa Mann, along with Dixon’s wife, Emma, and daughters, Poppy and Tilly.
“It added to the nervousness having friends and family here,” Dixon admitted. “Sometimes you can hear people yelling stuff and it breaks your concentration a little bit, but you’re still trying to enjoy the moment. That’s the biggest thing here. Everybody was saying, ‘Just make sure you enjoy it. Enjoy it, enjoy it, enjoy it!’”
Other INDYCAR drivers have attempted to navigate the “American Ninja Warrior” course before, including Kanaan, Helio Castroneves, Josef Newgarden and Conor Daly. Dixon took in all the advice they had to share before he tried it.
“T.K. was here and has always been a big supporter,” Dixon said. “We’ve been friends for many years. He just said to jump further than you think you need to.
“T.K. and Helio both said to enjoy the moment, but I’m not sure they did either because it’s something so far out of your wheelhouse that you don’t feel comfortable.”
Bourdais finishes on Le Mans podium in GTE Pro class
Four-time Indy car champion Sebastien Bourdais collected another podium finish in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, when his No. 68 Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GT finished third in the LMGTE Pro class at the iconic endurance sports car race.
Bourdais, who drives for Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser-Sullivan in the Verizon IndyCar Series, and co-drivers Joey Hand and Dirk Muller won their class two years ago at Le Mans in the Ford GT’s triumphant return to the event 50 years after its predecessor captured the overall win. Bourdais missed last year’s race recovering from injuries sustained in an Indianapolis 500 qualifying crash, but rejoined Hand and Muller this year to finish behind a pair of Porsche 911s in class.
Fellow Verizon IndyCar Series driver Tony Kanaan of AJ Foyt Racing finished fourth in class in a sister CGR Ford GT co-driven with Harry Tincknell and Andy Priaulx. A third Ganassi Ford GT, co-driven by Scott Dixon, Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook, finished 14th in class after suffering through mechanical issues.
Toyota claimed the overall Le Mans win in a car co-driven by Fernando Alonso. It gave the two-time Formula One champion two-thirds of motorsports’ so-called triple crown, with the Spaniard now owning victories at Le Mans and in F1’s Monaco Grand Prix. Alonso, the 2017 Indianapolis 500 rookie of the year. has made no secret that he’d like to race again at Indy in hopes of capturing the final leg of the feat.
Strut2SaveLives walk honors Clauson’s memory
The second annual Strut2SaveLives dog walk takes place Sunday, June 24 in Noblesville, Indiana, to honor the memory of short-track racing superstar and three-time Indianapolis 500 starter Bryan Clauson.
The event raises funds for the Indiana Donor Network Foundation, which oversees and coordinates organ and tissue donations throughout the state. The group is also active in encouraging people to register to become organ and tissue donors.
The walk begins at 10 a.m. ET at Dr. James A. Dillon Park, 6001 Edenshall Dr., Noblesville, Indiana 46062. Pre-registration is available at IndianaDonorNetwork.org/events. Registration fees are: $25 for someone walking alone or unable to walk but wishing to support the event; $30 for a walker with one dog; and $55 for a walker with multiple dogs. Walkers are encouraged to raise additional donations that may be turned in at the event.