Dixon home for Leadfoot races

Rod Millen woes Scott Dixon to Leadfoot Festival

Four-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon will race at February’s Leadfoot Festival on the Coromandel.

The festival, held on veteran New Zealand motorsport competitor Rod Millen’s farm at Hahei, includes a range of classic and vintage vehicles, and attracts motorsport enthusiasts from around the world.

Dixon has competed for Chip Ganassi Racing since joining IndyCar racing in 2003, and won the championship in 2003, 2008, 2013 and again this year.
With 38 wins, Dixon is the leading non-US driver in American Championship cars.

Rod said Scott had visited the Leadfoot Ranch, which includes a windy, sealed hillclimb driveway up the middle of the property, earlier this year.

“He was blown away with the property and expressed a desire to compete,” he said.

“We have been working with Scott to make this happen and it gives us the opportunity to celebrate Scott’s incredible success in motorsports.”

Hollywood actor and Le Mans 24-Hours category winner Patrick Dempsey is also scheduled to race during the event on Waitangi Weekend, February 6-7.

Rod selects championship racers from around the world to compete at the event, which is based on the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Britain.

The weekend includes a collection of vintage and motorbikes.

Event director Shelly Campbell said the festival was designed for men and women of all ages.

“Visitors are invited to dress in period-style clothing, stepping back in time make the Leadfoot Festival an incredible family experience and a true celebration of motorsports and all things automotive.”

The festival offers unparalleled access to the driver, pits and race cars.

■Tickets are on sale at leadfootfestival.com. A two-day pass costs $85 and includes a concert by The Warratahs on Saturday night and the final ‘shootout’ event. Saturday tickets are $50, including the concert; Sunday-only tickets are $40.