Changing Gears: Why Scott Dixon's Driven By Love

The Kiwi Star Defies Death By Day And Plays Dad By Night.

- Ellen Mackenzie

New Zealand racing star Scott Dixon is well aware that every time he steps onto the track and gets in his car, it could be the last.

“Crashes are part of the business,” admits Scott (38). “There are lots of things that run through your mind in an accident – I’m basically just bracing myself for the impact because they’re just massive. When you hit the catch fence, it’s like a cheese grater.”

The father of two has had his fair share of crashes but none as terrifying as last year during an IndyCar race at Pocono, Pennsylvania, where his car flew into the air before hitting the fence and splitting in half.

“I feel incredibly lucky that I walked away with just a fractured ankle,” Scott says. “Had the car turned five degrees to the left, it would’ve been a much bigger crash.”

His wife Emma Dixon (40) was at the race and saw the accident unfold, alongside their daughters, Poppy (9) and Tilly (7). Her heart dropped as she instantly recognised the car in the crash as Scott’s, but she was relieved to see him scramble out.

“With the longer we’ve been in the sport, I do get anxiety the morning of the race. Sometimes I don’t want to talk about it but while he’s getting ready and showering, I’m entertaining and cooking breakfast for the girls and I am saying my prayers,” explains Emma, who is a former Welsh and British running champion.