IndyCar news: Scott Dixon breaks qualifying record en route to pole position in Indy 500
- Sean Fisher
- 23 May 2022
Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon added to his legendary status in IndyCar earlier this week by breaking a qualifying record during his run for pole position.
The Newzealander achieved a remarkable 234.046mph average during his qualification for Indy 500 on Sunday, handing the 41-year-old the record for the fastest four-lap average in the sport's history.
The Chip Ganassi Racing driver achieved the feat in his final lap of qualifying, and all eyes were on him as the final driver out on track.
It's Dixon's fifth career Indy 500 pole position, and it leaves him just one shy of four-time Indy winner Rick Mears' all-time record for most poles.
Prior to Dixon's efforts on Sunday, the all-time pole record speed sat at 233.718mph, set by Scott Brayton in 1996.
9️⃣ HISTORY IS MADE!
— Always Race Day (@AlwaysRaceDay) May 22, 2022
Scott Dixon has recorded the fastest qualifying lap in Indianapolis 500 history at a 234.046 MPH average!
The six-time #IndyCar champion will lead the 33-car field to green in next Sunday's 106th running of the Indianapolis 500. pic.twitter.com/U6cfwPw0mp
After putting his car on pole, Dixon praised the efforts of his team, "That's what this place is about; it's so amazing," Dixon said.
"It's crazy. This PNC Bank No. 9 crew and Honda, they brought it today. Just so happy for everybody."
To add to the team's joy, Dixon will be joined on the front row by teammate and defending series champion Alex Palou, while 21-year-old Rinus VeeKay of Ed Carpenter Racing rounds off the top three.
Extending past that, the team has four of it's cars in the top six, with Marcus Ericsson qualifying in fifth after a run of 232.764, while Tony Kanaan put himself sixth with a 232.372 average.
It's #Indy500 pole for Scott Dixon! 💪
— Honda Racing Global (@HondaRacingGLB) May 23, 2022
Not only that, it's his fifth Indy 500 pole position, second in a row and he recorded the second fastest qualifying run in Indianapolis 500 history 🤯 pic.twitter.com/hd7H9ri825
"To get five of our cars into the fast 12 and four into the (Firestone Fast) Six, I hope Chip has a smile on his face," Dixon said. "That definitely deserves a smile."
Dixon and Co. can now enjoy the final practice sessions before the start of the 106th Indy 500, with the race scheduled for next Sunday, May 29.
