Dixon Runs Second in Opening Mid-Ohio Practice
Scott Dixon, winner of three of the past five IndyCar races at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, paced the
Honda-powered entries Friday in preparation for Sunday’s Honda Indy 200, posting the second-fastest
time in a tight field during IZOD IndyCar Series practice on the challenging, 2.258-mile road course.
Dixon ended the day’s single practice session less than two-tenths of a second off the quick time set by
Will Power.
Honda-powered drivers dominated the top 10 in practice, with Simon Pagenaud fourth quickest on the
day, followed by Graham Rahal, James Jakes, Josef Newgarden, Alex Tagliani, Dario Franchitti and Mike
Conway, rounding out the top 10.
Giorgio Pantano made his 2012 IndyCar debut, substituting for the injured Charlie Kimball in the #83
Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing Honda Dallara. Kimball suffered a broken bone in his right hand in a
testing crash at Mid-Ohio last week, and was not cleared to drive this weekend by INDYCAR medical
officials.
IZOD IndyCar Series activities at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course continue Saturday, with final practice
and “Fast Six” knockout qualifying. Sunday’s 75-lap race starts at 12:30 p.m. EDT, with live television
coverage on ABC.
Simon Pagenaud (#77 Schmidt Hamilton Racing Honda) fourth quickest in Friday practice: “It was a
very good day for us. We improved the car tremendously on our last run, and I think we are very close
now, so I am happy with the car. I love this race track, it is challenging and fun for the driver and the
entire team. It’s an important race for Honda, too, so we really want to run well for them this weekend.”