Back in New Zealand on a publicity tour to promote his biopic documentary film Born Racer: Scott Dixon, the five-time IndyCar champion is still on top of the world after standing on top of the dais in 2018.
The Verizon Indycar champion is still on cloud nine, considering his rise to being one of only two drivers to hold five or more Championships. The late, great A.J Foyt – who won seven USAC Champ Car Series, and like Dixon, has won at the Indianapolis 500 – is now the only driver with more titles than Dixon.
So when being interviewed on CRC Motorsport while back in New Zealand, the humble driver is respectful of his; and past achievements by other drivers.
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Born Racer: Scott Dixon promotes new Biopic documentary
Departing for his US-base in Indianapolis, Scott Dixon is already looking at testing for the next season. Not one to pause for long, the determined sportsman has his eyes set on more podium finishes but was active in the making and finishing of the biopic documentary on his career. He has walked the red carpet at premieres in the States, and last week in New Zealand.
“I don’t go looking for this stuff, it’s not really in my personality but, I think it’s important for our sport. Definitely for New Zealand, and pushing that ‘dreams can come true’ notion that a kid from little old South Auckland, can rise to the world stage in any form of sport.”
Dixon spoke honestly about the making of the film, his ideas on it and his take on the finished product. “It’s been really good. I wouldn’t say it is your typical ‘racing movie’. There are so many different storylines, the behind-the-scenes, the family – our family, the Team Gnassi family.
“The IndyCar family too, which is very different to what people think. It’s very social, the drivers actually hang-out together. So going into the process, your not really sure what they’re going to take away.”
The Scott Dixon movie Born Racer Premiers tonight! Don't miss it!#BornRacerMovie #GFCFilms @scottdixon9 Scott Dixon #leadfootfestival pic.twitter.com/pEUKxyvxEw
— Leadfoot Festival (@LeadfootNZ) October 25, 2018
Making the Documentary has been a fantastic venture
Dixon says that it has been really enlightening for himself, for his family. The making of the documentary has left memories for him, that he will never forget. And having his life captured on film [now] was a decision that felt right at the time. Interviewer Shaun Summerfield asked ‘so what made you say yes to this project?’
Dixon responded that the people behind the offer were what convinced him the time was right. “When you looked at who was behind it; Universal Pictures, and the group that had also done the McLaren movie, it just made total sense.”
(McLaren is a documentary on Bruce McLaren, the Kiwi Formula One driver and team owner)
And the finale of the film is naturally, his success in capturing his fifth driver’s championship. Asked how he was finding the new status as a ‘legend’ Scott Dixon was accepting that over the last years, as he rose up the winners’ list, it became more obvious as a comparison.
“There’s been a lot of talk about stats, and obviously it becomes a prominent sort of discussion. I never used to look, but now when you talk about it at every press conference, it becomes a fact.
“It’s amazing to be on that shortlist.”
“From being fifth behind the Unser’s, the Andretti’s and AJ, to now being third, it is crazy.”
Yet while proud of his accomplishments, he still considers the start of his racing career fondly. “Again, it just takes you back to the reflection of where it all started, but yes this fifth championship was definitely a milestone. And kind of puts us on an island with AJ, the second only person to achieve five championships is awesome.”
2018 puts frustrations of previous seasons behind Scott Dixon
Asked how he thought that the year had gone, with a new Honda-powered car and the progress and improvements on 2017, Dixon admitted it was more enjoyable to be winning again.
2018 season: three race wins, 678 IndyCar points. Five IndyCar championships
“It’s big. But it’s a team effort. I think for us it was a great year full stop,” and that is evidenced in the film. It covers the 2017-2018 seasons, with memories of the past mixed alongside the ful calendar season, culminating in the final race at Sonoma Grand Prix. A pinnacle that he hopes is not the final curtain on his illustrious career.
Still focused on delivering for his team, even when testing across tracks in North America, Dixon is very patriotic. Returning to see family and friends in his native New Zealand, he also enjoys visiting Hahei, in Whitianga. This is where close friend Rod Millen has his Leadfoot Ranch.
Every year, the Leadfoot Festival is a celebration of all things motoring. The small track that Millen has built may see Scott Dixon lace up his boots, to blast around the track – without the focus needed to clinch an IndyCar title.
After a successful year, Dixon is surely more experienced now in reaching his goals. The Indy 500 is a goal; like it is for every driver. So the champion will continue to race, will continue to be driven in his ambition to be the very best.
And after five championships over 17 years in American Championship Cars (from Champ Cars, to IndyCars and American open-wheel racing) he still has the drive to perform.
A Born Racer.
“Main photo credit”
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