Driver Spotlight on Chris Dyson

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 10, 2002) -- Chris Dyson has burst onto the sports car scene this season. The 24-year-old driver garnered attention last season when he shared the #20 Thetford/Norcold Ford Riley & Scott with his father, renowned team owner/driver Rob Dyson, at the Bully Hill Vineyards 250 at The Glen. But in 2002, Chris has proven he warrants the attention, not because of who is father is, but because of his ability on the track.

After kicking off the 2002 season with a 10th-place finish in the SportsRacing Prototype class at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Chris teamed up with veteran racer James Weaver. The duo was in close battle for the lead at the Nextel 250 when a broken suspension ended their race early. Weeks later the two were in a thrilling race for the inaugural win on California Speedway's new road race, but came up short and finished second. After coming so close to victory, Chris finally captured that elusive first win at the UnitedAuto 200 in Phoenix, and the Dyson tradition of winning was passed from father to son.

THE BASICS
Series - Rolex Sports Car Series
Class - SportsRacing Prototype
Team - Thetford/Norcold Dyson Racing Team
Car - #16 Ford Riley & Scott/Judd Crawford
Date of Birth - February 24, 1978
Birthplace - Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Marital Status - Single

RACING HIGHLIGHTS
· Currently second in SportsRacing Prototype driver standings
· Captured first professional victory at UnitedAuto 200 in Phoenix last month
· Earned a second-place overall podium finish at California Speedway's inaugural road race last March
· Finished 10th in SRP at his first Rolex 24 At Daytona last February
· Named 2001 SCCA Pro Spec Racer Rookie of the Year

IN HIS OWN WORDS...
When did you begin racing?
I started racing in IKF/WKA -sanctioned kart races in 1993.

When did you know that you wanted to pursue racing professionally?
I've wanted to race from the time I was old enough to remember.

Do you have any superstitions?
No.

What is your favorite racetrack?
Watkins Glen.

What has been your most memorable racing moment so far?
I think doing my first prototype race last year at The Glen will always stand out, as will my first Daytona 24 Hours (last February).

How is it to co-drive with a well-known racer like James Weaver?
I guess it's the same as being an accomplice to a crime... Joking aside, it's been a real pleasure driving with James. I'm learning more every time out, and we're working well together on the technical aspects. James is so good -- still as fast as ever, and a great racer. He's been with us since I was nine, so he's like a family member.

How did it feel to capture your first professional win in Phoenix?
They say your first big win is the hardest to get, and that it gets easier from there. I certainly hope so. It was a relief to get one under the belt.

Do you feel a slight rivalry developing between you and Fredy Lienhard Jr.?
I like competing with Fredy, and I'm sure we'll have plenty of good races together in the future.

What is it like to race for your father's team, and do you feel extra pressure because of it?
I've grown up in our team, so it's great to be running with the boys. The car's generally right on the pace immediately, and I know who's preparing the car and the effort that goes into it. The pressure comes from myself, because I always want to do my best.

What do you find most exciting about racing?
I always loved team sports growing up, and racing is as much a team sport as anything else. The personal and technical challenges are really fascinating, and it's great to be involved in a sport that is always progressing in some way. The race itself is the best part, but everything leading up to that point is just as exciting.

What goals have you set for yourself?
I want to do my very best every time out, and keep improving. I believe the wins will come from there.

What hobbies do you have outside of racing?
I enjoy the odd round of golf, hanging out with my friends, and I love reading.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?
I think my family has always made the biggest impression on me. Growing up, I was blessed to have outstanding people on both my mother and father's side. My parents have always supported me, and they were positive role models.

Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?
Thanks for your support.

Additional information about Dyson's first professional win at Phoenix International Raceway last month, as well as information about the Rolex Sports Car Series can be found online at www.grand-am.com. The Rolex Series will travel next to Dyson's favorite racetrack, Watkins Glen International, for the 6 Hours of The Glen, part of the Sports Car Grand Prix, June 21-23. Tickets are currently on sale for the event at www.theglen.com or by calling 607-535-2481.

EDITORS NOTE:
Photos of Chris Dyson are available on the Grand American media-specific website at www.grand-am.com/media.
Additional information may be requested from:
Grand American Road Racing Association
Christie Hyde (386) 681-4182; email: CHyde@grand-am.com