New Zealand motorsport stars Shane van Gisbergen and Scott Dixon achieved remarkable double victories in the United States on Monday (AEST), on a day overshadowed by the tragic death of prominent motorsport figure Tim Miles, who was killed in a cycling accident involving a bus near Sydney’s Taronga Zoo.
Tim Miles, a former racing driver turned successful businessman, was riding with his wife Tracy when the unfortunate incident occurred. He was known for his significant contributions to the development of young drivers in both Australia and New Zealand.
Van Gisbergen, who swept NASCAR’s Xfinity and Cup races over the same weekend in Chicago, paid tribute to Miles after securing his third Cup victory, making him the winningest foreign-born driver in the series. He expressed his gratitude for the day and acknowledged what an honour it was to achieve this feat, remarking on the significance of Miles’ support for racers like him.
The Kiwi driver celebrated his victory in a spirited manner, performing a burnout that sent smoke into the air before tossing a signed rugby ball into the crowd, embodying the joyful spirit of New Zealand culture. Van Gisbergen reflected on his success, stating, “Epic weekend for us. I’m a lucky guy,” and noted his previous win on a Mexico City road course.
Dixon, in a separate event, clinched his seventh IndyCar win at Mid-Ohio, marking his 59th career victory. The race was notably impacted by a rare mistake from series leader Alex Palou, who lost control of his car, allowing Dixon to capitalise. Palou expressed regret over the error, acknowledging that despite having a strong car and a well-executed strategy, he was responsible for the mishap.
This memorable weekend for New Zealand motorsport was marred by the loss of Tim Miles, whose legacy in the racing community will be felt deeply.