Kiwi driver Scott Dixon has made a name for himself in the thrilling and dangerous world of Indycar racing, but it couldn't prepare him for his latest challenge.
Last weekend, the four-time Indycar champion and twice NZ Sportsman of the Year was among dozens of budding daredevils attempting to qualify for US TV show American Ninja Warrior through regional qualifying in Indianapolis.
We won't find out how successful he was until the episode shows on June 19 (NZ time), but he confirms the obstacle course took him way out of his comfort zone - even for someone used to driving speeds of more than 350km/h.
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"It's something so far out of your wheelhouse that you don't feel comfortable," says Dixon, 37.
"The experience was awesome. Even in the about week-and-half lead-up, trying to train with some of the fellow ninjas, I guess - I'm not really a ninja - but the community is fun.
"I've been a fan of the show for many years. It's definitely one of those things that, when you see it, you think 'oh yeah, I can do that', but when you actually try, it's very tough."
Fellow Indycar drivers Tony Kanaan, Helio Castroneves, Josef Newgarden and Conor Daly have contested the ninja qualifying rounds previously.
"You kind of know what to expect, because you see people go through it," he says. "But the first time you get on the course to experience it is the time you go.
"It's probably the most nervous I've been for anything, especially with a ton of friends and family here.
"The biggest thing here is everybody's been saying 'just make sure you enjoy it, enjoy it, enjoy it'. I loved the experience."
The Indycar teams, including Dixon's Chip Ganassi Racing outfit, are currently preparing for the Indianapolis 500 on May 16.
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