Media Release
26 May 2008

Manukau mayor congratulates local Scott Dixon on Indianapolis 500 win

Manukau mayor Len Brown says Scott Dixon’s triumph in the Indianapolis 500 shows yet again how world champions can come out of Manukau.

“Scott’s victory in one of the world’s biggest sporting events is an outstanding achievement.

“It shows once more that Kiwis can fly.

“I still can’t get my head around Scott’s average speeds of 231 km/h in the race and 364 km/h in qualifying.”

Mr Brown says Manukau city has always been proud of Scott’s achievements in motor sport.

“Even though Scott was born in Australia and now lives in the USA, he is a product of Manurewa and we are proud to claim him as our own.”

“He has had great support from his family and had early mentoring from local motor sport legend Kenny Smith.”

Mr Brown is confident many more sporting champions will come out of Manukau, following in the footsteps of John Walker, Valerie Vili and Scott Dixon.

“That’s one of the reasons we have launched the John Walker Find Your Field of Dreams project.

“It aims to get young people into sport and physical activity rather than pursuing poor life choices.

“We also hope it will be the starting point for future world champions. I know we have plenty of sporting raw talent and enthusiasm right here.”

Scott Dixon won the Manukau Young Faces Ambassador Award in 1998 after being named junior Counties Manukau sportsman of the year for two years running.

ENDS

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