Interestingly, Dixon pointed to an old criticism of Formula One as a reason why it is so difficult to make up ground in the current IndyCar Series.

"At the moment, I just think we're relying too much on downforce," he commented, "We need more mechanical grip so you can get closer. At the moment, it just seems spread - everybody kind of runs up, tags the guy in front, then you can't go behind them close enough in the corners."

Heading to this weekend's ABC Supply Co/AJ Foyt 225 at Milwaukee, Franchitti holds a five-point advantage over resurgent Indy racewinner Helio Castroneves, a better position than he was in two years ago when he won the 500. Then, he left the Brickyard third in points, albeit just three behind Dixon and two behind Dan Wheldon, but took the lead at Milwaukee and held onto to it for all but one week en route to winning the championship for Andretti Green Racing.