Scott Dixon Teases the Ideal Gift to Keep Indy 500 Champ Alex Palou Out of Competition

Scott Dixon, one of IndyCar’s most accomplished and experienced drivers, marked his 408th career start at this year’s Indianapolis 500. The event was ultimately won by his Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, Alex Palou. During the Indy 500 Victory Celebration, Dixon took the opportunity to joke about presenting Palou with a humorous “gift”—a playful gesture aimed at curbing the Spaniard’s current dominance in the series.

Alex Palou’s Dominance in IndyCar

Alex Palou arrived at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the two-time defending IndyCar champion. Impressively, he has now claimed three titles in just four years. In the 2025 season, Palou has continued his dominant form, winning four of the first five races. The last time such dominance was seen in American open-wheel racing was in 1964, when A.J. Foyt won the first seven races of the season, including the Indy 500.

Dixon’s Playful Jab

Scott Dixon, himself a six-time IndyCar champion, took to the stage during the celebration and delivered a lighthearted jab at Palou. Disguising his ploy as a generous gift, Dixon said:

“Also, got a surprise for Alex. I have bought yourself, your wife, and your family a summer vacation which starts this Thursday. It is for five weeks, I hope you really enjoy it, it is all included, man, whatever you need…”

Dixon’s joke implied that sending Palou on a long vacation might be the only way to give other drivers a chance at victory, considering Palou’s current form.

Palou’s Lead in the Championship

Currently, Alex Palou leads the NTT IndyCar Series Championship with 306 points. This puts him a remarkable 112 points ahead of Pato O’Ward, who is in second place.

Scott Dixon Opens Up About Pre-Race Nerves

Scott Dixon recently appeared on an episode of “Java with James,” a show hosted by former IndyCar driver and current FOX Sports analyst James Hinchcliffe. During their conversation, Dixon discussed how he manages nerves before races.

As he prepares to enter his 25th IndyCar season in 2025, Dixon reflected on how his approach to pre-race pressure has evolved over his career. Hinchcliffe asked Dixon if he still experiences the same level of anxiety before a race, even after more than two decades in the sport.

Dixon responded candidly, sharing his thoughts on the emotional build-up before a race and how those feelings have changed—or remained the same—throughout his career:

“I think the problem would be if you didn’t have that feeling. I don’t know, at least for me. I still get super nervous depending on the event, or how you’re feeling or where you’re starting. I’d say it’s normally quite the same. But no, it’s just wanting to compete, wanting to win, to not disappoint. Everybody gets nervous.”

He continued:

“I think they’re all pretty similar about factors, for sure. Indy 500 you always go into with the mindset that it’s just another race. We all know it’s not just another race. When you’ve been standing on the grid for 45 minutes with all the different stuff. All your mates are flying in. All your family’s here, sponsors, whatever it is, so, yeah.”