WATKINS GLEN, NY, JUNE 23 — Thetford / Norcold / Goodyear Dyson Racing teammates James Weaver and Chris Dyson scored their second win of the 2002 Rolex Series season Sunday at the Watkins Glen Six Hours.
In sweltering conditions, the Anglo-American duo were headed early on by teammate Butch Leitzinger in the pole sitting sister #20 car, but they took a commanding two-lap lead in the second hour when the #20 retired. It was a lead that Weaver and Dyson would eventually build to as high as four laps, and for the last two hours they preserved the car. They finished two laps ahead of the second placed Rand Racing Lola.
Rob Dyson, who had been hoping to compete for outright victory, instead enjoyed the victory from the pit wall, where he talked to his 24 year-old son on the radio for the race`s final hour.
“Today was an emotional day for me,” said Dyson, who turned 56 on Friday. “I am just so proud of Chris and the guys. I think we might have been able to have a 1-2 (finish) but unfortunately my car had some problems. But hey, I can not complain.”
James Weaver was delighted with the result. “I just love coming to Watkins Glen,” the defending series champion said. “It is a proper road racing circuit and I have got a great car and a great team. Once we built that lead we just reduced our pace and carried on. It was incredibly hot out there… I think something might have blown into the radiator outlet because the car felt hotter than normal.”
Chris Dyson, who has fond memories of Watkins Glen, was very pleased with the result. “It is just so special to be standing on the podium today. I remember when I was nine in 1987 had the chance to stand up here with my grandfather, my dad and Price Cobb and Vern Schuppan. It is such an honor to join the list of people who have won at Watkins Glen. This place has always been my favorite track. Our crew did a fantastic job all day and I can not thank them enough for all their efforts. This is a good day.”
The team has no chance for rest this week as it readies its two cars for upcoming races. This coming weekend, Weaver and Dyson will be competing in their #16 machine at Mid-Ohio for the American Le Mans Series event. From there the team heads directly to Daytona Beach, Florida for the Paul Revere 250 midnight race on the Fourth of July.
Stay tuned.
