Dixon sliced forward of Energy on lap 24, taking the advantage of his contemporary set of alternate tyres, and went on to score a famous victory by managing his fuel saving to perfection.
Energy began the race from the entrance row on his softer-compound rubber, and jumped forward of poleman Felix Rosenqvist on the opening nook.
He prolonged a 6.5s lead just for Christian Rasmussen to trigger the race’s sole warning and negate his benefit.
Dixon began eighth and thus solely had one qualifying run on his alternate tyres, whereas Energy used each his units for additional push laps within the Quick Six session.
He felt that the tyre deficit was essential to why he completed sixth, 15s behind Dixon, regardless of mirroring his pitstop technique.
“We had an extremely quick Verizon Chevy,” stated Energy. “Had a option to take the yellow and take tyres and have large gasoline save and go exhausting [on tyre choice], however we made probably the most of what we had there.
“We did not have any inexperienced [alternate] tyres to run in these gasoline save stints, so we did not have any defence in opposition to Dixon. In any other case, it might have been superb to do precisely what he did.
“Disappointing with how far we began up, however nonetheless a prime six. All you are able to do is maximise every day and transfer on to the following one.”
Will Energy, Group Penske Chevrolet, pitstop
Photograph by: Michael L. Levitt / Motorsport Images
Energy was the one driver within the prime 12 to complete on used major tyres, with seven together with Dixon on scuffed alternates, three on new alternates (best-placed Marcus Ericsson in fifth), and one on new primaries (Kyle Kirkwood in seventh).
After the race, Energy’s declare that he was penalised by his tyre availability was taken to activity by podium finishers Colton Herta and Alex Palou.
“He did two runs on greens [in the] Quick Six,” asserted Palou, to which Herta jumped in: “It is his alternative, proper?”
Palou added: “I imply, we did not as a result of we needed to make use of it within the race.
“I would love if we may have an additional factor for Quick Six. However it was his alternative this time. I imply, he was not put into that place.”
Dixon additionally discovered time to spare a thought for Energy in his post-race winners’ press convention.
“I do not know the place the #12 automotive completed, however he was on the identical technique as us,” he stated. “I am going to see the place he ended up.”
Watch: Spherical 3 – Lengthy Seaside: 6 Minute Highlights