Great Scotts! Kiwis bring it home in Texas

©IndyCar

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©IndyCar

Kiwi Scott Dixon scored his 51st career win in IndyCar in Saturday evening's first double-header at the Texas Motor Speedway, but it was perhaps another Kiwi and 'Scott' that was the happier of the two.

While Chip Ganassi Racing's Dixon dominated proceedings in the Genesys 300, winning for the fifth time in Fort Worth, his countryman Scott McLaughlin achieved the feat of finishing second in his first ever oval IndyCar event!

The reigning Australian Supercars champion and Penske charger started his evening 15th after rain had washed out qualifying. But a steady drive, a bout of luck and solid pit work from the Penske crews brought McLaughlin his outstanding result.

"Pretty proud. Just wish my mum and dad, wife were here," said the 27-year-old. "Anyway, next time…

"It's definitely the most happy I've ever been finishing second. It's one of those things that’s a little bit unexpected just because I knew how tough it was going to be sort of getting through the field.

"But, yeah, things fell our way. For it to happen on an oval is a pretty proud moment."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.