Newgarden in for Dixon for Indy Karting Classic

Firestone Indy Lights champion Josef Newgarden will replace Scott Dixon on the INDYCAR team for the Indy Karting Classic on Dec. 11 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis because of a scheduling conflict.

The event bisects engine manufacturer development dates at Homestead-Miami Speedway and Sebring International Raceway. Dixon, the two-time IZOD IndyCar Series champion for Target Chip Ganassi Racing, is driving the 2012 Honda-powered Dallara during the late rounds of testing. He completed two days of testing, totaling more than 325 laps, on the 2-mile Auto Club Speedway oval this week.

Dixon is looking forward Sept. 15 — when the IZOD IndyCar Series returns to Auto Club Speedway for a race under the lights – after a six-year absence.

“It’s going to be a great race with the new cars and new engine manufacturers," he said. “By that time, I suspect the competition to be even tougher and this track provides fantastic racing for the cars we’re bringing next year."

Alex Tagliani, Graham Rahal, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Jay Howard and Tomas Scheckter comprise the remainder of the INDYCAR team that will compete against NASCAR drivers (including 2011 Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart) on the indoor circuit.