Dixon wins in IndyCar Series' return to Pocono

LONG POND, Pa. - Scott Dixon tentatively eyed his massive, nontraditional trophy, a hunk of dark rock with a bald eagle carrying an American flag perched on top.

Dixon, standing on the podium moments after winning the IndyCar Series Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway on Sunday afternoon, struggled to grip the heavy award. At Dixon's sides, his Chip Ganassi Racing teammates Charlie Kimball and Dario Franchitti lent a hand as the New Zealander raised the trophy in the winner's circle.

The victory was Dixon's first in the IndyCar Series since August, and it was a milestone day for Honda cars and Ganassi Racing. Its drivers finished 1-2-3 for the first time in an IndyCar race.

"It was good to get one out of the way this year and get on the top spot of the podium," Dixon said. "But I think more importantly, just super-excited for the team. Everybody's been working really hard and to have a glimpse of something great and things to be positive about. Hopefully, we can keep this momentum rolling."

Dixon, who started in the 17th position, held off Kimball in Pocono's first IndyCar race since 1989. The win was Dixon's 30th in IndyCar, moving him to 10th all-time in career victories.

Kimball finished in second place, ahead of Franchitti, to match his career-best finish in the series.

"When I got out of bed this morning, I wouldn't have guessed this," Ganassi said.

"We know that if we took our teammates out, there'd be hell to pay," Franchitti said. "But we were [each] going for the win."

Andretti Autosport had little to celebrate despite owning the top three spots in the starting lineup.

Pole-winner Marco Andretti of Nazareth, Northampton County, led 88 of Sunday's 160 laps - the most of any driver - but struggled with fuel mileage in his Chevrolet late in the race and finished 10th. Andretti's grandfather, Mario, won at Pocono in 1986, and his father, Michael, won the pole the same year.

Six of the top 10 finishers drove Hondas, with Chevrolet's fuel mileage playing a major role. Many drivers were forced to make untimely pit stops down the stretch.

"We knew early [about our fuel mileage], but not early enough," Marco Andretti said. "I think we should have responded quicker, but it's so hard to be reserved right now."

Andretti Autosport's Ryan Hunter-Reay and James Hinchcliffe started second and third, respectively, but both were in early crashes that ended their chances at a win.

Dixon said before the race that he did not expect to lead the pack. But he gladly will take his first win in his last 13 races, a victory he called "a little bit of a shock."

"That's motor racing, man," Dixon said. "There's ups and downs, and sometimes things are out of your control. But I'm very, very lucky to be doing what I'm doing."