Telepeer

Grand Prix of Long Beach: Scott Dixon has thrilling first day at the track

April 15, 2023

LONG BEACH — About an hour and a half before the first NTT IndyCar practice run at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Friday, it was announced that six-time IndyCar series champion Scott Dixon will be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America next March in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Dixon then went out and had the second-fastest practice time of 1:06.9649, just behind Pato O’Ward (1:06.6999).

Colton Herta recorded the third-fastest time at 1:06.9808. Marcus Ericsson was fourth at 1:06.9859 and Romain Grosjean was fifth at 1:07.1049.

Immediately afterward, O’Ward did a trackside interview and said the track was “very, very quick.” He was asked if the unusually cool weather for this time of year affected the session.

Typically, it’s in the 70s for this race – sometimes warmer – but it was only 62 degrees when the practice session began at 3 p.m.

“I thought today was beautiful,” said O’Ward, of Team Arrow McLaren. “The track was definitely quicker than what it was last year. There’s not as much rubber down, but the track is fast. … The tires and the engines like the colder temperatures rather than it being really hot.”

There are 27 cars in the mix this year. O’Ward, of Mexico, talked about how qualifying might go Saturday.

“It’s tight, man,” said O’Ward, 23. “I think qualifying is going to be as tight as it’s probably ever been. It puts a lot of emphasis on just the little mistakes you can make.”

Herta won this race in 2021.

“I’m happy with it,” he said of his practice session Friday.

Herta, 23, is from Santa Clarita. After he and Andretti Autosport teammate Kyle Lockwood finished 20th and 15th, respectively, in the season opener at St. Petersburg, the team switched strategists for the two drivers.

Herta’s strategist was his father, Bryan, who is now with Kirkwood.

Kirkwood’s was Scott Harner, who is now with the younger Herta, who said the transition is going smoothly. Herta declared himself “easy to strategize for.”

“I don’t like to be talked to unless it’s really necessary, so it’s a pretty easy transition to make,” he said. “Just give me any info that’s absolutely necessary and that’s it. He’s been solid so far. I don’t have any complaints.”

Dixon won his first series title in 2003 in his second season with Chip Ganassi Racing. He also won in 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2020.

Dixon, of New Zealand, won the Indianapolis 500 in 2008 and won in Long Beach in 2015.

Dixon, 42, was thrilled with the news of his induction.

“Extremely honored,” he said. “I’ve been with this team (Ganassi) for over 20 years and we’ve accomplished a lot together and (have) some tremendous memories.”

Dixon recalled his first series title and admitted he had one small regret.

Motorsports |

Grand Prix of Long Beach: Pato O’Ward off to strong start in 2023

Motorsports |

This is why a nonprofit brought 20 college students to Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach

Motorsports |

Live updates from the 2023 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach

Motorsports |

The party gets started at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach

Motorsports |

Thunder Thursday gets party started ahead of Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach

“Winning the first championship in 2003 was a bit of a shock to my system,” he said. “The only disappointment I think I had with that was not really soaking it in and enjoying it as much as I really should have.”

Displaying a bit of modesty, Dixon said, “I’ve been extremely lucky. Obviously, a lot of it comes from hard work.”

Rounding out the top 10 practice times Friday: Alex Palou, the 2021 series champion, was sixth at 1:07.1515; two-time race winner (2018-19) Alexander Rossi was seventh at 1:07.1572; Callum Ilott was eighth at 1:07.2467; Felix Rosenqvist was ninth at 1:07.3135; and Christian Lundgaard was 10th at 1:07.3237.

Others notables included defending race champion Josef Newgarden (14th, 1:07.4273), Will Power (15th, 1:07.4420), Graham Rahal (16th, 1:07.4785) and Helio Castroneves (24th, 1:07.9204).

Orange County Register

News Details

Grand Prix of Long Beach: Scott Dixon has thrilling first day at the track

Related Articles

News

CONTACT INFO

QUICK LINKS

SERVICES

CURRENT NEWS