Dixon cleared for Michigan

The Chip Ganassi Racing driver sustained a left ankle sprain and X-rays taken on his right hand revealed a small chip in a bone, which ruled him out of the Milwaukee event. Dixon returned to Indianapolis and met with orthopedic surgeon Dr Kevin Scheid on Monday for further evaluation.

A CAT scan was performed on his ankle and closer examination has determined that he has a contusion and sprain of his left ankle but has not re-injured any old fractures, such as the one sustained at Motegi in Japan earlier this year. It confirmed, however, that Dixon's right hand sustained a small bone chip and ligament tear at the base of his right thumb.

Dixon will be fitted for a brace on his right hand to stabilise his thumb and allow him to grip the steering wheel and drive comfortably at the next race this weekend in Michigan. Following that race he will undergo a minor surgical procedure, requiring a four-day recovery period, to repair the ligament and secure the small piece of bone fragment in his thumb.

"I'm really happy to know that I'll be able to get behind the wheel this coming weekend in Michigan since both the ankle and the thumb are feeling much better," said Dixon. "I'll be fitted for a brace for my thumb in the next few days simply to make it more comfortable to drive but I'm sure it'll be fine by race day. This past weekend on track was very disappointing for all of us at Target Chip Ganassi Racing.

"However, while it has been a rough season to date, it is a credit to this Target team to see how hard the crew has been working to get the cars ready to race, not just this past weekend but every single time out there. I just want to get back to racing as soon as possible and get back on top where we should be."