Top 5 most successful non-American IndyCar drivers feat. Scott Dixon

Modified Dec 10, 2024 17:10 IST

24 Hours of Le Mans 2024 - Practice And Qualifying - Source: Getty — Scott Dixon during the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans - Practice And Qualifying (Source: Getty)

The NTT IndyCar Series, a cornerstone of the American sports industry, remains one of the premier motorsports series in the world. The series has long been a place to shine for the open-wheel drivers of the United States. Prominent names such as A.J. Foyt and Al Unser have graced the sport with their presence.

On the other hand, IndyCar has also proven to be a home to international talent. Over the years, many non-American drivers have achieved success in the sport, registering their names in history books. In this article, we take a look at the top 5 most successful non-American IndyCar drivers, in no particular order.

1. Dario Franchitti (Scotland)

Dario Franchitti dominated IndyCar during the late 2000s and early 2010s. He secured four series championships (2007, 2009, 2010, 2011) and three Indianapolis 500 victories (2007, 2010, 2012). Partnering with Chip Ganassi Racing, Franchitti amassed 31 career wins and 92 podiums. He also won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2008. He retired in 2013 due to injuries but still remains a pivotal figure in motorsport history.

2. Scott Dixon (New Zealand)

Scott Dixon has six National Championships (2003, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2020), the second-most in the series’ history, and a single Indianapolis 500 win in 2008. With 55 career victories and over 130 podiums, he ranks second in all-time wins. Driving for Chip Ganassi Racing since 2003, Dixon holds the record for most consecutive seasons with a race win (19) and is the all-time leader in laps led. He remains active in the sport and continues to compete at an elite level.

3. Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil)

Emerson Fittipaldi won two CART championships (1989, 1993) and two Indianapolis 500 races (1989, 1993). Over his IndyCar career, he achieved 22 victories and 42 podiums. Transitioning from Formula 1, where he was a two-time World Champion, Fittipaldi brought global attention to the sport. Known for his consistency, he competed in 200+ IndyCar races and contributed to the popularity of Brazilian drivers in the sport.

4. Alex Zanardi (Italy)

Alex Zanardi won back-to-back CART championships in 1997 and 1998 with Chip Ganassi Racing, amassing 15 career victories and 28 podiums. He is remembered for his daring overtakes, including the iconic "Pass in the Grass" at Laguna Seca in 1996. After leaving IndyCar, Zanardi competed in Formula 1 before a life-altering crash in 2001. He later returned to motorsport as a Paralympian, winning gold medals in hand-cycling at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games.

5. Will Power (Australia)

Will Power has two National championships (2014, 2022) and a single Indianapolis 500 win in 2018. With 44 career victories, he ranks fifth in all-time wins and holds the record for most pole positions in the series’ history (70+). Driving for Team Penske since 2009, Power has achieved over 100 podium finishes. Known for his stronghold on road and street courses, he has also won multiple race titles, including the prestigious Grand Prix of St. Petersburg four times.