Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon opened up about the concern felt by the Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) team following a frightening crash involving his teammate Kyffin Simpson during Fast Friday practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). The 20-year-old Simpson experienced a high-speed accident that sent shockwaves through the team and fans alike.
During his very first run of the day, Simpson lost control of his car as it began to wobble exiting Turn 4. The vehicle spun and violently slammed into the wall, causing an intense impact that lifted the car off the ground. The car briefly went airborne before landing on its side, a terrifying sight for everyone watching.
Reflecting on the crash, Scott Dixon shared how deeply worried the entire CGR crew was about Simpson’s condition. Fortunately, Simpson emerged from the incident unharmed, a fact that brought relief to the team and fans.
Dixon said,
“It was good, the first one (qualifying simulation) was very conservative. We were very worried about conditions and obviously what had happened to Kyffin. Glad he’s OK.”
Following the crash, Scott Dixon put in an impressive performance during his qualifying simulation. Running solo in the #9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, he recorded the second-fastest lap of the day at a speed of 232.561 mph. Remarkably, his four-lap average speed, which included that top lap, was also 232.561 mph, making it the quickest qualifying simulation of the session.
In a candid conversation on the show Java with James alongside former IndyCar driver and FOX Sports analyst James Hinchcliffe, Dixon discussed the topic of pre-race nerves. Now entering his 25th season in the IndyCar Series in 2025, Dixon reflected on how nerves have played a role throughout his long and successful career.
When asked if he still experiences pre-race jitters after more than two decades in the sport, Dixon replied:
“I think the problem would be if you didn’t have that feeling. I don’t know, at least for me. I still get super nervous depending on the event, or how you’re feeling or where you’re starting. I’d say it’s normally quite the same. But no, it’s just wanting to compete, wanting to win, to not disappoint. Everybody gets nervous.”
He elaborated on the unique pressure of the Indy 500, saying:
“I think they’re all pretty similar about factors, for sure. Indy 500 you always go into with the mindset that it’s just another race. We all know it’s not just another race. When you’ve been standing on the grid for 45 minutes with all the different stuff. All your mates are flying in. All your family’s here, sponsors, whatever it is, so, yeah.”
As of now, Scott Dixon sits sixth in the IndyCar championship standings with a total of 137 points, continuing to demonstrate his competitiveness and experience in the series.
