Laguna Seca: Dyson Racing preview

Dyson team ready for Fry's Electronics Sports Car Championships at Laguna Seca

MONTEREY, CA, SEPTEMBER 3-- Thetford / Norcold Dyson Racing is looking forward to this weekend's American Le Mans Series event at Laguna Seca Raceway, and with good reason. Having claimed three pole positions, an overall victory and two overall runner-up finishes in the last five races, the team has had a very competitive summer.

The driving lineup remains unchaged for this weekend's two-hour, forty-five minute event. James Weaver and Butch Leitzinger will be sharing the #16 MG-Lola EX257, while Andy Wallace will be partnering Chris Dyson in the sister #20 machine. Dyson now holds a 23-point lead in the drivers' championship over Intersport Racing's Jon Field, and is looking to increase his advantage with three rounds remaining.

The stunning 2.238-mile Laguna Seca circuit has been a scene of Dyson team success in the past, with Butch Leitzinger clinching multiple championships here in 1997 and 1998. Last year, the team finished second in LMP675 in only its second event with the MG-Lola package.

James Weaver reckons that the team has a good chance this weekend. "We've made some pretty stunning progress in only a year with the Lola," Weaver said. "This year's car is much improved over the package we raced with here last year. Everyone from Goodyear, AER and Lola have done a brilliant job, and I think we should be right up in the thick of things this weekend."

Andy Wallace considers Laguna Seca one of his favorite circuits in North America, and the Englishman has enjoyed success here in the past. "I love this track," Wallace said. "It's full of elevation changes and some really interesting corners. I've been telling Chris that he'll love driving here."

Dyson is making his driving debut at the California circuit this weekend. He is excited about the team's chances. "I've driven this track many times on my Playstation," Dyson said, "so hopefully that will help a bit at first. I'm sure that A.W. can help bring me up to speed and I'm confident that the team will give us a car that we can go and fight with all weekend."

Practice for the event begins with an hour and a half session on Friday, followed by Qualifying on Saturday afternoon. Sunday's event will be televised live on NBC Sports at 4 PM EDT. Live timing and scoring, as well as live Radio Le Mans coverage, will be available at www.americanlemans.com.

-www.dysonracing.com