Dixon Enters Sonoma in Tight Three-Way

SONOMA, Calif. (Aug. 10, 2009) – Scott Dixon is riding a wave of success heading into the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma, Aug. 21-23, but it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top at Infineon Raceway.

Dixon (Target Chip Ganassi Racing) posted his fourth win of the season and 20th of his career at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course this past weekend, vaulting him to first in the IndyCar Series standings, just three points ahead of Team Penske’s Ryan Briscoe (460-457) and 20 over teammate Dario Franchitti (440).

The momentum bodes well for Dixon, who won at Infineon Raceway in 2007 and has started no worse than ninth in four starts in the Sonoma Valley. He has an average finish of sixth place at Infineon Raceway and he is the defending IndyCar Series champion.

“It’s the IndyCar Series so, obviously, it will come down to the wire and it’s going to be tough,” said Dixon, who now owns the IndyCar Series record for career wins (20), surpassing Sam Hornish Jr. “It’s been a strange season in the fact that it doesn’t seem like anybody really wants to lead the championship. There’s been some flopping back and forth between myself and Dario and Ryan and TK (Tony Kanaan) so it’s been quite interesting.”



Briscoe and Franchitti have also enjoyed success in Sonoma Valley, although neither has reached the Wine Country Winner’s Circle. Briscoe started on the pole in 2005 and placed second last year to teammate Helio Castroneves. Franchitti, meanwhile, was third in 2007 and second in 2006. He also started on the pole in 2007.

“I'm really excited to be in the championship," Briscoe said. "It's been a fantastic year. It's definitely intense and can get frustrating at times. You look back on races, and for me it's ones like Richmond where I only got 12 points. If I could have gotten top 5 or something, what the difference could be. But that's where you just need to keep looking ahead, keep your head down and you've got to finish these races and finish at the front and just stay focused.”

With only four races remaining, a strong finish in Sonoma could play a crucial role in determining the 2009 series champion. Castroneves, the 2008 Infineon Raceway winner, is currently fourth in points (359), while Danica Patrick (Andretti Green Racing) is fifth (321). Tony Kanaan (Andretti Green Racing) claimed the inaugural victory in Sonoma in 2005.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma, call 800-870-RACE or visit www.infineonraceway.com.

Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma Weekend

WHAT: Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma

WHEN: Aug. 21-23

CIRCUIT: 12-turn road course

2008 POLE WINNER: Helio Castroneves (Team Penske)

2008 WINNER: Helio Castroneves (Team Penske)

NOTABLE: The weekend will also feature Formula DRIFT, as well as the Firestone Indy Lights Series, featuring Sausalito native J.R. Hildebrand.

TICKETS: $10-$65 single day/$65-$85 weekend; parking is FREE and kids 12 and under are FREE (Saturday only). Garage passes are available for purchase.

INFORMATION: 800-870-RACE or www.infineonraceway.com/indy.