Arise, Sir Scott Dixon: Knighthood for six-time IndyCar champion

Six-time IndyCar motor racing champion Scott Dixon said it was a "huge honour" to receive a knighthood in the New Year's honours list, announced on Wednesday.

The 45-year-old is New Zealand's most decorated racing driver in modern times and also a generous donor to several children's charities.

He will become a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to motorsport, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said.

"It was pretty shocking, to be honest," Dixon told AFP, recalling his disbelief when he received notice of the honour.

"You maybe think it's a spam email or something like that, and I had to read it over a couple of times to fully understand it," said the racer, who now has the title Sir Scott Dixon.

"I'm extremely lucky. I get to do what I love to do, racing has been a huge part of my life for many, many years, which has also enabled me to do many things, you know, help local communities here in New Zealand, or in America.

"It's definitely shocking, and a huge, huge honour."

Dixon won the IndyCar driver's title in 2003, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2020, and he was winner of the 2008 Indianapolis 500.

He boasts 58 race wins during his career, which ranks second all time, along with 142 podium finishes.

In 2019 Dixon was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, the third highest honour that can be bestowed upon a New Zealander. A knighthood is the second highest honour.

Dixon said he wasn't sure if he was worthy of a knighthood.

"It's hard, I think, for the person that's receiving it, to know," he said.

"All of (the charity) stuff has only been possible because of the passion I've had for motor racing and the success that we've had, so it's kind of full circle.

"People think that I'm worthy of it? I think that's amazing. I'm truly honoured to be seen in that light."

Dixon said he would like to have his knighting ceremony in New Zealand, but with his children attending school in the United Kingdom he may take the opportunity to be knighted at London's Buckingham Palace.

As for the new title, he suggested it would be used sparingly.

"I've been called a lot of things," Dixon said. "Sir is definitely pretty cool.

"There's definitely a couple of friends I may have to get to use the correct title from now on.

"And maybe in the engineering room and in debriefs, maybe that's how I should be introduced.

"But it will mostly be in banter. I'm just Scott, you know. Scott from Manurewa. Scott from Auckland."

New Zealand's Prime Minister said Dixon was a "hero" to young New Zealand motorsport fans and his charity work was "invaluable".