Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Wheldon promises to help Dixon

Outgoing Chip Ganassi Racing driver Dan Wheldon has promised to do all he can to help teammate Scott Dixon win this year's IndyCar Series crown

Wheldon's departure from the team was confirmed on Tuesday when Ganassi announced that Dario Franchitti will drive alongside Dixon next year, but Wheldon is determined to help his teammate make up for last year's near miss in the championship by beating Helio Castroneves to the title on Sunday.

"I would love to go out with a win, but at the same time I'm going to do everything I can to help Scott win the title," the 2005 champion told autosport.com. "If I can do that, and still win the race, that would be perfect.

"Scott and I have an unbelievable working relationship, probably the best I've ever had in motorsport," he added. "We've become very good friends, and I'll do everything in my ability to help him achieve the championship."

Wheldon believes that last year's Chicagoland finale -­ where Dixon ran out of fuel on the final lap to hand Franchitti the title ­ is an example of how he can help his teammate this year.

"Sometimes if you lead the race you use more fuel," he said. "So if Castroneves is hanging back in the pack saving fuel, then it would be good if I could cover that base for Scott by leading so he can save fuel too.

"I'm sure the team won't want to take any risks on strategy, so if I can lead the race, and lead it quickly, then that will help."

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Tagliani to stay on at Conquest
Next article Castroneves not losing hope of title

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe