POUGHKEEPSIE, NY, FEB. 12 — The Dyson Racing team has signed Belgian ace Didier de Radigues for the first two races of the 2003 American Le Mans Series.
De Radigues, whose accomplished resume includes World Championship motorcycle victories and the 2001 ALMS LMP675 Championship, will co-drive with Chris Dyson and Chad Block in Dyson`s #20 MG-Lola at Sebring. He will be replacing team boss Rob Dyson, who will be unable to race at Sebring due to business commitments. De Radigues will also be joining the Dyson team for the Mexico Six Hours event on April 6.
“It is hard not being able to do the race,” Rob Dyson said. “I really love the Sebring event and I think we have an excellent chance to do well this year. But my schedule unfortunately is very busy in March and I want to do what is best for the team. Didier will do a fine job for us and he is going to love the MG. It is such an exciting car. I still hope to do some more driving later this year.”
Dyson cited de Radigues`s broad experience in varied types of prototype machinery, along with the Belgian`s smooth driving style, as reasons for the signing. “We have raced against Didier the past few years and he has been really impressive in prototypes,” Dyson said. “Having come from motorcycles originally, he brings to our team an entirely different perspective. We are happy to have him on board.”
De Radigues was delighted with the opportunity. “I am really looking forward to driving with the Dyson team at Sebring and Mexico,” he said. “I think we can have some great results. I would like to thank Mr. Dyson for the opportunity to be back with a potential overall race-wining car in the ALMS. I have had a high opinion of Dyson Racing since 1998, when I won my first US race fighting against them at Laguna Seca. They are strongest private team I have seen in this championship.”
The Dyson team is currently busy preparing their two prototype contenders at their Poughkeepsie headquarters. Practice for the March 15 Exxon Superflo 12 Hours of Sebring commences on March 10.
