Dixon and McLaughlin first and second in Nashville IndyCars race

Scott Dixon and Scott McLaughlin have claimed a New Zealand one-two at latest IndyCars race in Nashville.

Photo: Photosport

Dixon fought from 14th on the grid to win the race with pole sitter McLaughlin finishing second.

The race had multiple stoppages due to crashes.

The victory moves Chip-Ganassi driver Dixon from fourth to second in the championship standings with three races remaining this season.

It also lifts the New Zealander to second on the IndyCars all-time race winners list.

Dixon suffered early damage to his car and went to the pits six times during the dramatic race.

Dixon was pleased to come away with what commentators described as an improbable win.

“I knew the car was fast all weekend, we proved that in the warm-up. But, kudos to the team there, we had a big crash there it took half of the floor off the car, we had to take four turns of front wing out so we had no grip and I think we did about 45 or 50 laps on that last set of tyres so. Nashville is so awesome.”

Team Penske driver McLaughlin is now sixth in the championship standings and Dixon was keeping an eye on his countryman.

“Scott McLaughlin had a great weekend. Real worried about him. I knew he’d take chances and he was super fast as well. He was on fresher tyres. I was a bit of a sitting duck if there had been a couple more laps.”

McLaughlin said he had a lot of fun.

“Congrats to Scotty, I always dreamed of racing him to the finish and that was a proper duel. That’s why I come IndyCar racing, it’s the best racing in the world.

“I hate coming second, but I learnt a lot today and we’ll focus and get better.”

Dixon’s long time rival, Australian Will Power, leads the drivers standings.