IndyCar - Dixon Wins Mid-Ohio, Franchitti P2

LEXINGTON, August 8, 2011: Target Chip Ganassi Racing (TCGR) driver Scott Dixon piloted the No. 9 Target Honda Dallara to its first win of the season at the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio. Dixon’s 26th career win is also the 85th for TCGR and the 144th for Chip Ganassi Racing Teams. Teammate Dario Franchitti took the checkered flag in second.

Dixon took the green flag from the pole for the first time this season and was able to extend his lead over the rest of the field during the early portion of the race. Following a caution on lap 22, Dixon hit pit road with most of the leaders and would restart third behind cars that stayed out. He quickly moved back up into second and began chasing down the leader. Dixon came in for his second stop on lap 55, but after rejoining the race, the caution was displayed and Dixon was placed second behind teammate Franchitti. On the restart, Dixon drove the No. 9 Target Honda back into the lead with less than 30 to go. After pulling away from second, Dixon led the remainder of the race and went on to score his first victory of the season.

Franchitti started the afternoon in third and spent the entire first run of the race inside of the top-three. After the first yellow flag of the day flew, Franchitti drove to the attention of his crew and received new tires and a full tank of fuel. After restarting fourth, he wasted little time moving the No. 10 GE Honda back into the top-three by using the outside lane to make the pass for third. After holding his position for the next stint, Franchitti picked up the lead during a round of green flag stops. While on pit road, the caution flew again and after beating Dixon to the blend line, Franchitti was awarded the lead for the restart. After the green came back out, Franchitti fell to second behind Dixon, but was still one of the fastest cars on the track. The battle for second seemed to be heating up, but with a few laps to go, Franchitti pulled away and took the checkered flag in second.