Chip Ganassi Racing’s six-time champion, who is still in the running to match AJ Foyt’s all time record seventh IndyCar title, was left wrongfooted after fellow title-rival Josef Newgarden spun and stalled in Q1 Group 1, bringing out a red flag. As the clock ran out, IndyCar granted the remaining drivers one last chance – an out lap and one flyer – to solve their predicament.
However, while Scott McLaughlin and Marcus Ericsson – both also mathematically in the championship hunt – managed to generate enough tire temperature to graduate to Q2, Dixon’s efforts were stymied by Kyle Kirkwood of AJ Foyt Racing-Chevrolet who was ahead of him on track preparing for his qualifying run.
