Kiwi IndyCar driver Scott Dixon has celebrated his Queen's Birthday honour by winning his first race of the season, the Detroit Grand Prix on Monday (NZ time).
Hours after Dixon was named as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, the 38-year-old went onto claim a much-needed win at The Raceway on Belle Isle, beating rival Marcus Ericsson by nearly two seconds.
The result was the perfect way to avenge Sunday's disaster at the same track which saw him crash out of the race.
In the rain-affected race, Dixon was third with 30 minutes remaining when he clipped the inside wall and slid into a tire wall at turn six, which forced him to retire.
The last time Dixon failed to finish a race was two years ago at the Texas Motor Speedway - 32 races ago.
Pole sitter and series leader Josef Newgarden failed to finish the race.
For Dixon, it marked career win number 45, which ranks third in Indy car history and moved the five-time series champion within seven victories of tying Mario Andretti for second place all time.
The result saw Dixon climb one spot in the standings to fourth which sees him trail series leader Newgarden by 52 points.
The next race of the season takes place next weekend in Texas.
Newshub.
