Updated

Just two weeks ago, Scott Dixon needed an enormous amount of help to take control of the IndyCar championship race.

Helio Castroneves gave it to him with a broken gearbox during a wild doubleheader in Houston, allowing Dixon to head for California with his third series title in sight.

Dixon isn't cocky about his chances in IndyCar's season finale at Fontana on Saturday. The New Zealander realizes he only needs a fifth-place finish to stay ahead of Castroneves for the overall title, but he won't change tactics just to stay safe.

Castroneves had a wide lead in the points standings heading to Houston, but problems in both races left him 25 points behind Dixon heading to the finale. Castroneves hasn't given up hope for a dramatic comeback.