KEY POINTS:
Two-time IndyCar winner and Indianapolis 500 victor, Kiwi Scott Dixon, yesterday announced his involvement in various community initiatives.
In Auckland for a civic reception in honour of his outstanding motor racing achievements this year, and the recording of This Is Your Life, Dixon is joining forces with Repco New Zealand to assist CanTeen, an organisation that supports young people from 13 to 24 years old living with cancer, and their siblings. Their aim is to provide a range of activities and opportunities where members share experiences and resources and above all have fun. Dixon accepted the challenge and designed a bandanna for a fundraiser from October 17-31.
"It's good to be a local boy and help New Zealanders achieve their dreams and hopes," said Dixon. "Especially those suffering."
Dixon is set to return Downunder in a few weeks to compete in the non-point-scoring IndyCar race around the streets of Surfers Paradise for the Gold Coast Indy 300. He's looking forward to showcasing his talents in what can be regarded as his home race.
"It's a great time to catch up with the family. It's kind of strange coming back and racing but not for points or team money," said Dixon. "It's the closest thing to my home race but I get a lot of flak from the Australians trying to claim me. We'll be supporting the Kiwis over there for sure, and trying to beat those bloody Aussies."
The world's fastest Kiwi is not looking too far down the track as he has a contract with Target Chip Ganassi Racing for a few more years, and there's plenty to be getting on with in the foreseeable future.
"I don't have much chill out time as I've got a Petit Le Mans test next week, 500 testing, then the Petit race then my wife's birthday in London and then back to America. Then back here and then back for Target stuff later in the year," said Dixon.
It would appear there's no slowing down for the man of speed and just when he might be able to draw breath, the 2009 IndyCar series kicks off in March.
"It's going to be a challenge," said Dixon. "A lot of the CART guys have learnt a lot this year and ... it's going to be harder to win."
