POUGHKEEPSIE, NY, JAN. 28, 2005 — Guy Smith, victorious in the 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans, will bring his winning ways to Thetford / Norcold Dyson Racing for the American Le Mans Series Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring. Smith will be partnering Chris Dyson in the team`s #20 AER-powered Lola.
“Dyson Racing has always been at the top of racing in America,” said Guy Smith. “It is a prestigious team to drive for with a great history like Bentley, who I won Le Mans with. So many great drivers have driven for them and I am honored to be in such company.”
“I have known Guy for a number of years and have always admired his ability,” said Chris Dyson. “He has been successful in both sports cars and open wheel racing. There is no question that he has the pace. But just as importantly, he has an innate understanding of the strategy and teamwork needed to win sports car races. This is a great combination to have in a co-driver. We have been trying to put something together for the past few years, and he is joining us at the right time. Guy will be a strong addition to Dyson Racing`s Sebring effort.”
Guy Smith also has a fourth and second in the 24 Hours of Daytona and four top four finishes in the 12 Hours of Sebring. “Dyson Racing will be testing at Sebring after Daytona in preparation for the season`s first race there,” commented Smith. “Now that the team`s pair of Thetford / Norcold Lolas will be running Michelin tires this year, that should bring the competitiveness to a whole new level and we will be able to take the fight to the Audis. Dyson Racing was second in the ALMS championship last year. I look forward to joining Chris and (the sister #16 car’s drivers) Butch Leitzinger, Andy Wallace, and James Weaver as we look to improve on that record.”
Guy is no stranger to America, having done well in Indy Lights in 1998 and 1999. In addition to driving in the Le Mans Endurance Series in Europe last year, Guy drove six races for Rocketsports Racing in Champ Car. He was engaged to Alicia Richardson following last year`s Australian Champ Car race and resides in a 200-year-old home they have renovated in Yorkshire, England.
The 2005 American Le Mans series kicks off March 19 with the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring in Sebring, Florida and will be televised on Speed Channel.
