New Zealand superstar Scott Dixon has received a booty of prizes headed by a $1 million ($1.4 AUD) bonus cheque at the IndyCar awards banquet in San Francisco.
Dixon came from third place in the points standings to win a thrilling Sonoma decider when he was awarded his fourth IndyCar crown on a countback in the double points race from Juan Montoya.
The victory saw the long-time Chip Ganassi man also claim replicas of the Astor Challenge Cup and the Verizon IndyCar Series’ championship trophy.
Dixon was also the recipient of the Jostens Champions Award ring valued at $10,000 ($14,000 AUD) and also the Sunoco Diamond Performance Award which offered a $75,000 ($105,000 AUD) purse for winning the most races in the season.
“I’m fortunate to drive in IndyCar and with this team for 14 years,” Dixon said.
“With the depth of the competition, winning a championship in IndyCar is challenging and gratifying.
“It’s all the small pieces that you have to get out of the car, and this year especially with the introduction of the aero kits.
“As a team, I think we really do a good job. I couldn’t be prouder of the whole team’s efforts.”
Dixon’s chief mechanic Blair Julian accepted the Verizon IndyCar Series Chief Mechanic of the Year Award.
Scott Harner and Barry Wanser accepted the Team Manager of the Year Award.
Gabby Chaves of BHA with Curb-Agajanian accepted the $50,000 ($70,200) Verizon IndyCar Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award while Graham Rahal claimed the $25,000 ($35,100) TAG Heuer “Don’t Crack Under Pressure Award” for advancing the most cumulative places during the season.
Outgoing series champion Will Power won the Verizon P1 Award for scoring the most points among pole winners, Ryan Hunter-Reay claimed the “Drive to the Finish” Award and the late Justin Wilson was voted favorite driver by Verizon IndyCar Series fans.
Verizon IndyCar Series award winners:
Championship driver (Astor Challenge Cup): Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams
Jostens Championship Driver Award (ring): Dixon
Championship team (Astor Challenge Cup): Chip Ganassi Racing Teams
Championship team sponsor: Target
Championship team manager: Scott Harner and Barry Wanser, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams
Chief Mechanic of the Year Award: Blair Julian, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams
Sunoco Diamond Performance Award ($75,000): Dixon
Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award ($50,000): Gabby Chaves, BHA with Curb-Agajanian
TAG Heuer “Don’t Crack Under Pressure” Award ($25,000): Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
“Drive to the Finish” Award: Ryan Hunter-Reay, Andretti Autosport
Verizon P1 Award: Will Power, Team Penske
Second place championship driver: Juan Pablo Montoya, Team Penske
Second place championship team: Team Penske
Third place championship driver: Power
Third place championship team: Team Penske
Manufacturers Championship: Chevrolet
Dan and Susie Wheldon “Make a Difference” Award ($1,000 charitable donation):Denise Titus, INDYCAR Medical
Verizon IndyCar Series Fan Favorite Driver: Justin Wilson, Andretti Autosport
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