Scott Dixon’s hopes of cutting the gap to Verizon IndyCar Series standings leader Simon Pagenaud were dashed early in the KOHLER Grand Prix at Road America by an engine issue.
Dixon qualified second on Saturday, finishing just two-tenths of a second behind pole-sitter Will Power in the Firestone Fast Six.
Dixon managed to hold on to second place early on despite an attempt by Tony Kanaan to dive down the inside at the first corner, running less than a second behind Power.
However, coming out of Turn 5, Dixon lost power and slowed before dropping to the back of the field.
The Chip Ganassi Racing driver peeled off into the run-off area with smoke coming out the back of his car, having reported an engine issue to his team.
“He said something is wrong with the engine,” team managing director Mike Hull told IndyCar Radio.
“We will get the car back and see what is going on.”
Dixon's crew brings his @CGRindycar machine back to the garage area. #KohlerGP #IndyCar pic.twitter.com/UcsKr0kos6
— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) June 26, 2016
“Definitely a bummer,” added Dixon. “The Clorox car was fast. Power in the No. 12 car started on stickers and we were on red, and we were getting really good fuel milage. Points are gonna hurt really bad.”
After 10 laps, Power continues to lead from Kanaan, Graham Rahal and Simon Pagenaud, with Helio Castroneves rounding out the top five.
You can tune into the race live on NBCSN and the NBC Sports app.