I was aggressive at times today, but sometimes you have to be that way. It was a good race. I was very determined to win and wasn't going to let this one get away.
Castroneves was understandably disappointed at missing out on the title after coming so close for the third time in his career. The Brazilian ended the campaign with the same number of wins as his team-mate, but his race was badly compromised after he received a penalty for speeding in the pit-lane during the first round of stops. This left him at the back of the pack and having to spend most of the remainder of the race fighting his way through again.
I was hoping Marlboro Team Penske would be able to finish one-two in the championship, the 2002 and 2003 runner-up said. I tried everything I could. It was very exciting out there and Sam did a great job. He's one of the best oval drivers I know.
Dixon, meanwhile, was pleased with his campaign, taking positives away from ending the season just 15 points adrift of the champion.
It's been a good year and a good comeback for us, not just for me but for Target Chip Ganassi Racing, said the 2003 IRL champion. I think we can take this momentum into this year.
We seem to have the cars pretty sorted-out with moving chassis to the Dallara this season and I think we'll be pretty strong next year. It's great to end on such a high note with the team's 50th Indycar win.
