A superb drive from Scott Dixon has seen the Kiwi score a stunning second-place finish at the opening race of the Iowa Indycar 250s.
Starting 17th, Dixon conserved fuel throughout the 250 laps, fighting back from a lap down midway through, to finish less than a second behind Frenchman Simon Pagenaud.
The reigning Indianapolis 500 champion's effort was even better than Dixon's, winning from last place (23rd) on the grid, holding off Dixon in the final 30 laps to take the chequered flag.
Dixon had a shot at taking the lead with 10 laps to go, but couldn't get the pass done, and with Pagenaud holding the lead at and around a second, Dixon coasted home for his fourth podium in five races this season.
The five-time series champion was stoked with the result that sees his championship lead close to 50 points, following a stellar drive from Pagenaud.
"Super proud of that effort tonight - fuel mileage was awesome and the cautions helped us jump a few positions," Dixon said post-race.
"Car was dreadful in qualifying, but we worked on it during the race and got something to work with late.
"Unfortunately, we start from near the back again tomorrow, so we have to do it all over again."
There was a nasty accident at the halfway mark that saw Dutch rookie Rinus VeeKay lucky to escape serious injury after contact with Colton Herta.
Herta clipped the back wheel of VeeKay, launching the American over the top of the head of the Dutchman, with his wheel striking the safety pod surrounding the cockpit - Dixon avoided the carnage by centimetres to continue in the race.
Herta flew above the barrier in a scary moment, but it landed safely on the tarmac, with both driver incredibly walking away unscathed.
Dixon will start 18th for the second race on Sunday, Pagenaud will once again start at the rear after a fuel pressure issue ruled him out of qualifying for both races.
