POUGHKEEPSIE, NY, JUNE 30, 2005 — “We have had some very talented drives at Dyson Racing over the years and Guy Smith ranks right up there,” comments Rob Dyson on the announcement that Smith will be joining the Thetford/Norcold team for the American Le Mans Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta on October 1.
Guy Smith ran with Chris Dyson in the #20 AER-powered Thetford/Norcold Lola EX 275 for the 12 Hours of Sebring this March.
Observed Chris, “When we tested him prior to Sebring, he was quick right off the bat, communicated well with our engineer and fit in well with our team. He was a quick co-driver who did not place a wheel wrong in the race. Guy was a natural first choice to have him join us for the 1,000 mile Petit Le Mans. With the class winners earning an automatic berth in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this is one of the major races of the year for the ALMS.”
In addition to driving for Dyson Racing earlier this year, Smith has also been driving the Pontiac Riley of Jim Mathews Racing in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. Last year, he drove in the Le Mans Endurance Series in Europe and also drove six races for Rocketsports Racing in Champ Car.
As well as winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Smith has four top four finishes in the 12 Hours of Sebring and a second and fourth in the 24 Hours of Daytona.
“I am excited about returning to Dyson Racing and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the team at Sebring,” remarked Guy Smith. “Dyson Racing is very good at giving you a car that you can go fast in right away. Their level of professionalism directly translates into a competitive effort on the track. All you have to do is look at their one – two finish at the ALMS race at Mid-Ohio. It does not get much better than that.
As at Sebring this year, the #16 Thetford/Norcold car will be driven by Butch Leitzinger, Andy Wallace and James Weaver at the Petit Le Mans. Three points currently separate all four Dyson Racing drivers: Andy Wallace is in second place in the American Le Mans championship and Leitzinger and Weaver are two points behind, tied for third, with Dyson one point back in fourth.
