Dixon clinches title
Joliet, IL (Sports Network) - The 2008 IndyCar Series season ended in dramatic fashion Sunday as Helio Castroneves nipped Scott Dixon to the finish line by inches to win the Peak Antifreeze Indy 300 at the Chicagoland Speedway. Castroneves finished 0.0033 of a second ahead of Dixon in the second closest finish in series history.
The victory was Castroneves' second of the season and the 14th of his career
"It is awesome," Castroneves said. "We tried everything would could to win. Thanks to my guys, they gave me a great car."
Castroneves led a race-high 79 laps and picked up three bonus points in the process, but Dixon ended up clinching the title by 17 points and a $1 million bonus in the process.
"Team Target (Chip Ganassi Racing) has done a fantastic job all year," Dixon said after capturing his second title. "This season has just been amazing.
Dixon won his first championship in 2003. He ended the 2008 season with a record-tying six victories, including one in the Indianapolis 500. A win at Chicagoland would have broken Dan Wheldon's 2005 record for most victories in a season.
Castroneves won the season-finale from the 28th starting position. His qualifying time was disallowed when he ran below the white line numerous times during his four-laps attempt. Castroneves, however, quickly made his way through the field and grabbed the lead for the first time on Lap 77.
Dixon fell back to 11th, while Castroneves held the lead during the mid-stages of the race. But Dixon managed to capture the lead in the late-going as he won the battle off of pit road. Castroneves came out second.
"We were trying to work out where we needed to be, and I think I got a little complacent in the middle there," Dixon said. "Some of those guys are so quick, some people we didn't expect to be racing with. We got shuffled back in line a little bit but what a great day."
Dixon led 15 laps before Castroneves caught him on the final lap.
Ryan Briscoe, Tony Kanaan and Will Power completed the top-five.
Sam Hornish, Jr. beat Al Unser, Jr. in the closest finish in series history -- 0.0024 of a second in 2002 at Chicagoland.
The IRL will run an exhibition race Sunday, October 26th, at the Streets of Surfers Paradise in Australia.