Dixon eyes Indy 500, Coca-Cola 600 double

Scott Dixon

Scott Dixon, the reigning IndyCar Series champion, said he would jump at the opportunity to compete in the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600, which typically are held on Memorial Day weekend.

That, of course, means the New Zealander would have to make the short plane ride from the Brickyard in Indianapolis to Charlotte, N.C., to accomplish the grueling NASCAR/IndyCar double. It's a feat completed by only three drivers: three-time Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon and John Andretti.

Dixon, who attended the 25th anniversary event honoring Target Chip Ganassi Racing on Friday night, was asked to assess the chances of Kurt Busch, who announced earlier this month he will attempt to cover the 1,100 miles of racing May 25.

“I think last year (Busch) put his toes in the water when he tested the cars," said Dixon, a three-time IndyCar Series champion. “If I had the opportunity to do it, I would dive at it. I think it would be a lot of fun.

“I'm excited to see how he does. It's going to be really interesting, but I'll think he'll do a really good job."

Dixon, who won the Indy 500 in 2008, added he isn't concerned about Busch's limited experience in open-wheel cars. He likened Busch to other IndyCar rookies trying to make the 33-car field at the Brickyard.

“I think he's comfortable in the (IndyCar) having tested it," Dixon said. “I think what he'll find challenging is switching back and forward (during qualifying). The Cup car and Indy car are quite different."

Busch, though, might face a stiffer challenge, considering he's the first full-time stock-car driver to attempt the double. And he's reminded that two open-wheel drivers — Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt — won the Daytona 500, but no stock-car driver has won the Indianapolis 500.

“He's a fantastic driver, so he'll get used to the pace of each race," Dixon said.

Darrell Waltrip, a former Cup champion, said he respects Busch's willingness to step outside his comfort zone.

“Even back in my driving days, there were drivers who did both Indy and NASCAR — the Allisons (Bobby and Donnie) and Cale (Yarborough) — but it never appealed to me because the cars were dangerous and scared me a bit," Waltrip said. “I like Kurt's willingness to take chances. That's how he is on the track and how his whole life has been.

“He's willing to take chances and put it all on the line. It's a big risk, but it could be a big reward." Tribune Review