BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO, AUG. 19 — The Thetford / Norcold Dyson Racing team`s first weekend with its MG-Lola EX257 turned out to be a character-building experience.
Starting from the back of the grid after the team changed engines late Saturday night, James Weaver carved the Goodyear-shod car through the field and was soon challenging the leading LMP675 class machines. For 31 laps around the sweeping Mosport International Raceway, Weaver displayed the new car`s potential, running hard with the eventual runner-up Audi R8 for several laps before finally giving way. Eventually, Weaver`s charge was cut short by engine woes, and the team retired the car.
Afterwards, the English two-time Mosport race winner said that the car “was showing great improvement. We only took delivery of it last Sunday and we managed some testing on Tuesday before the race weekend started. We had some engine issues this weekend but the boys did a fantastic job getting the car out on time and it is a shame we could not have a better result. The car is coming along — it was great in the fast corners and up the straight. We have some data to look over and we are looking forward to pushing ahead.”
Rob Dyson, who monitored his new MG`s progress from the pits, remained hopeful despite the shortened run. “Of course we would have liked a better result, but that is racing sometimes. We have got a few problems that need sorting but we are going to tackle them right away.” Dyson was full of praise for his team. “I can not say enough about the crew`s work this weekend,” the team boss said. “They did a superb job getting the car ready and learning on the fly. I am really proud of them.”
The team will regroup now and prepare the MG-Lola EX257 for its next American Le Mans Series event at the historic Laguna Seca Raceway on September 22.
