Going into yesterday’s season finale at Sonoma, the
championship talk (muted as it was given recent events) centered on Juan Pablo
Montoya and Graham Rahal, but he was there, in striking distance as always.
Scott Dixon came into the day third in the championship, and after a brilliant
performance, some luck, and another Penske meltdown, he walked away with his
fourth series title. The only person in the history of the sport with more is
A.J. Foyt.
Dixon first got around the other title contenders on the
race track on a pit stop. The Ganassi team came through when it mattered, and
Dixon got out ahead of polesitter Will Power, Josef Newgarden, and Montoya. The
caution that brought those on that particular strategy was dubious at best, but
such were the circumstances. That pit stop set the tone for the rest of the
race. Dixon led those not on an alternate strategy, while Power and Montoya
were mired farther back, in position to throw it all away.
The official turning point came when Power and Montoya
collided. Power spun into the dirt to cause the yellow and essentially end his
title defense. For his part, Montoya suffered front wing damage and was forced
to pit for repairs. The incident sent both cars to the back of the field, and
for Montoya it meant a race to get far enough through the field to save his
championship. He was one spot short, even after getting some help with other
competitors’ mistakes in the closing laps.
In the end, Dixon and Montoya ended up tied with 556
points. However, Sunday’s win was Dixon’s third of the year, giving him one
more than Montoya and thus the championship on tiebreak. Naturally, talk led to
the fact that this race was double points. Montoya in particular was upset
about it, complaining about it after the race both on television and at the
press conference. Now, double points at this race were stupid, and are in fact
stupid for any race, especially in IndyCar where such things have never proved
necessary. However, Montoya conveniently forgot that he won the other race that
paid out double points this year: the Indianapolis 500. Take the double points out
of the both races and Montoya would’ve won by four points, 478-474. That said,
these were the rules going in. Montoya had his chances to pull away for good,
but since Indianapolis, he scored just one podium finish (3rd last
week at Pocono). Knowing it was all on the line yesterday, Montoya made the
mistake and this is the result.
Graham Rahal, for his part, dealt with a recalcitrant car
all day and was thus never in position to take the title. In fact, he
complained after not having grip, which I’m taking as a shout out. His day was
ruined for good when punted by Bourdais late, although I need to see a replay
because it sure looked Graham was swerving in the approach to the corner.
Sunday’s race was a disaster, but Rahal and the team have a lot to be proud of
this season. They proved a lot of detractors wrong, and it will be exciting to
see if they can keep it up and remain a top team in 2016.
As for the rest of those who were mathetically alive for
the title, Power ended up 7th the incident with his teammate, then
called the racing casino-like. Not a good look for the defending champ, who
just sounded whiny. Helio Castroneves never got going, pitting for a new front
wing on lap 3 on the way to a 15th place finish. Josef Newgarden’s
chance of winning the race ended when he stalled in the pit lane and then the
car caught on fire. It was fitting that his potential final pit stop at CFH
Racing ended in disaster.
Turning back to the champ though, it’s hard to overstate
the accomplishments of Scott Dixon. Even more than the four titles and one Indy
500 victory, this season marked the 9th in a row where he finished
in the top three in points. He’s been the driving the #9 car for Chip Ganassi
Racing since 2003. To put that in personal context, that’s the year I graduated
high school. In a sport of endless turnover and churn, Scott Dixon has been an
oasis of consistency. He is arguably the most respected driver in the paddock
in terms of talent, and with good reason. In 2015, he did what he always does:
find a way to be in the mix late, and get it done in crunch time. On Sunday in
wine country, that formula produced a fourth IndyCar championship and another
feather in the legacy of one of the best drivers ever.
Other Observations
More important than crowing the champion, Sunday was
about honoring Justin Wilson. NBCSN did a fine job of this, particularly Robin
Miller’s touching tribute. The support the IndyCar family has given to the
Wilsons has been amazing, and here’s hoping it keeps coming. I’m looking
forward to the auction, even as I suspect most of the items will be too rich
for my blood (hopefully they will be).
More kudos to Graham for again spearheading the auction.
May this be the last time it’s necessary. Also a round of applause for Oriol
Servia. He came until terrible circumstances and admitted his own rustiness,
but still came home 12th. If only the team’s alternate strategy had
worked out enough for the 25 car to lead a lap.
Finally, Stefan Wilson has proven to be an incredible man
throughout this ordeal. His big brother would be proud.
The way Ryan Hunter-Reay closed out the season (adding a
2nd place yesterday) shows that he could be a force to be reckoned
with in 2016. With RHR and Rahal in the fold, if Honda can add Newgarden, the
disparity in driver talent between the manufacturers doesn’t look nearly as
daunting.
Charlie Kimball also had a fine race to complete the
podium. He needed after what had been a fairly disappointing year.
If anyone can shed insight on why the hell Pagenaud
parked his car in the pits, forcing Newgarden to literally drive through Simon’s
pit, I’m all ears. Of course, Race Control found it as something not to worry
about until Wednesday. /wanking motion
Rodolfo Gonzalez somehow finished 9th,
allowing the #18 Rent-a-Coyne car to take the 22nd and final Leaders
Circle position. The #18 nipped the #4 car for that final spot, adding a final ignominy
to Stefano Coletti’s season. I can’t imagine he returns next year (and he
appears close to a Formula E ride anyway), and if the second KV returns, it’s
going to have to come with a big check now.
Speaking of drivers that had horrible years, Jack
Hawksworth ended his sophomore struggles by punting Carlos Munoz, throwing away
a top ten after the resulting drive through.
Up Next
Well…uh…there isn’t a race for another seven months, and
so begins the long offseason. The first order of business will be memorializing
Justin Wilson and taking care of his family. After that comes the schedule
machinations and driver changes and whatever other strangeness will inevitably
occur. Thanks for reading during the rookie season of Need More Grip. I’ll be
around as things warrant news wise, and hopefully have some other things to
post and we approach the 2016 season.
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