Reigning IndyCar champion Scott Dixon has been appointed as a 'Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit' for his services to motorsport by the Queen of the United Kingdom and the commonwealth in her Birthday Honours.
The New Zealand Order of Merit was instituted by Royal Warrant dated 30 May 1996. The Order is awarded to those “who in any field of endeavour, have rendered meritorious service to the Crown and the nation or who have become distinguished by their eminence, talents, contributions, or other merits”
Dixon won the 2003, 2008, 2013, 2015 and 2018 series titles to go second on the all-time list of champions, just two titles behind the legendary A.J Foyt.
During his time in the series, the Kiwi has so far claimed 45 wins including the Indianapolis 500 during his 2008 title-winning season. He also has to his name 107 podium finishes and 29 pole positions.
Throughout his racing career, he fought with series greats such as Dario Franchitti, Will Power, Dan Wheldon, Helio Castroneves, Juan Pablo Montoya, Ryan Briscoe and former Chip Ganassi Racing team-mate Tony Kanaan among many.
Speaking about the award after his victory in the second race of the 'Dual in Detroit', Dixon said: "It was definitely a huge honor to get the Companion (New Zealand) Merit of Order, which is definitely very prestigious, something you don't expect.
"For me, I think it's not like a normal accolade, like a trophy or a race win. It's something of a very different, you know, feeling. So for me, it's definitely been outstanding. Very proud to get that CNZM label.
"Yeah, I don't know. It's kind of weird that whole thing in a great way, to have that recognition in New Zealand, from England as well, all part of the Commonwealth. Yeah, huge day and definitely not one I'm going to forget."
Dixon currently lies fourth in the 2019 championship with 264 points, currently 52 behind the championship leader Josef Newgarden.
