ELKHART LAKE, Wis. -- Reigning IndyCar champion Will Power shoved Scott Dixon after the two were involved in a crash Saturday that severely damaged both cars during practice at Road America.
Dixon, the six-time IndyCar champion, had spun on course and reentered the track ahead of Romain Grosjean and Power. Dixon allowed enough room for Grosjean to get by, but as Power approached, the gap closed and Power couldn't avoid hitting Dixon.
The two cars spun off course and Power slammed into a concrete wall. Both cars were extremely damaged, with only three hours to rebuild them ahead of qualifying.
Power then got out of his car, exchanged words with Dixon and shoved him in the chest. Power later kicked the air in frustration.
Things are a bit spicy this morning.#INDYCAR // #SonsioGP pic.twitter.com/JkdIGIhJqT
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) June 17, 2023
"Scott moved abruptly and I was coming," Power said. "It's a very unfortunate incident. Nothing I could really do there. Didn't expect him to move. Such a pity. I felt like we had a pretty good car. We'll rebuild it and see what happens."
Dixon acknowledged he was at fault.
"Didn't realize Power was even there," Dixon said. "I'm really sorry for him and obviously his team. Mistake on my behalf. I feel frustrated for obviously wrecking our car and his car as well."