BRASELTON, GA, OCT. 14 — Thetford / Norcold Dyson Racing has set its sights on claiming American Le Mans Series Drivers` and Team Championships in this weekend`s season-ending Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.
Leading the ALMS LMP675 championship tables is 25 year-old Chris Dyson of Poughkeepsie, NY. Dyson enters the weekend`s ten-hour, 1000-mile endurance event having won four of eight ALMS races in 2003. Dyson holds a substantial twenty-point lead in the championship over Intersport Racing teammates Jon Field and Duncan Dayton. To wrap up the title, Dyson`s #20 MG-Lola EX257 must complete at least seventy percent of the event, while his Intersport rivals are in a must-win situation.
“It is a great feeling to come into the last race of the season with a points lead,” said Dyson, who, having missed out on the 2002 Rolex Series championship by two points, is familiar with his rivals` situation. “We have had a pretty solid year, and I think we will have a great car this weekend. I am very confident. The Intersport guys have to beat us this weekend, and all we have to do is finish. Anything can happen in this game but from experience I prefer being where we are this year.”
Dyson will share his MG-Lola sports-prototype with Pennsylvanian Chad Block and Belgian Didier de Radigues, who co-drove in the team`s victory in the 12 Hours of Sebring in March. “They are super drivers,” Dyson said. “Easy on equipment and fast. And that is what we need this weekend.”
The team is also seeking the IMSA Cup, which is awarded to organizations with the best aggregate results. Having run two cars all year, and claimed six overall podium finishes, the Dyson squad is leading the team championship comfortably.
James Weaver, Butch Leitzinger and Andy Wallace form the driving strength on the team`s #16 machine, and collectively represent the most successful sportscar pairing in the modern era.
