| POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (June 25, 2023) – Chris Dyson conserved his #16 GYM Weed Ford Mustang while battling pole-winner Justin Marks and veteran Boris Said for the first half of Saturday’s 100-mile Trans Am feature race at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, running a close third before seizing the lead just before the halfway mark of the 45-lap contest and then holding it to the checkered flag. Dyson’s teammate, defending Mid-Ohio race winner Matthew Brabham, completed a team sweep of the top of the podium by finishing second in his #20 GYM Weed Ford Mustang after carving his way through the field from his 16th position on the grid. “That was Trans Am racing at its best,” Dyson said directly after climbing from his car in the winner’s circle. “The car was just magical! Thanks to my guys for the great job they’ve done since Lime Rock. We tested at Watkins Glen and made a lot of progress on setups. We struggled here in qualifying in the rain, but the car was so good today.” “I was just biding my time,” Dyson said of the first half of the race, when he was shadowing Marks and Said before slipping past both in traffic and into the race lead just before the race’s only full-course yellow. “I saw an opening and I took it. When the opportunities come up against talent like this, you have to pounce because you might not get another shot. And then I was able to successfully defend on the restart and settle into a nice rhythm.” For Marks the restart was a major setback; attempting to pass Dyson he instead flew off the track and was fortunate to emerge in eighth place, 20 seconds behind Dyson, but at least not stuck in a gravel trap. Brabham’ didn’t set a time in qualifying and so he started 16th on the 21-car grid. “I had so much fun coming up through the field,” Brabham said following the race. “I had to use up my tires getting back to the front and I just didn’t have enough left at the end. But I had a perfect view an amazing race (between Dyson, Marks and Said). They were side-by-side and going down the inside. And the restart was pretty interesting!” CD Racing drivers Dyson and Brabham now hold a commanding lead in the drivers’ National point standings after six rounds, with three victories for Dyson and two for Brabham. Dyson’s Trans Am victory at Mid-Ohio was his 22nd and tied him with Scott Pruett for 5th in the series’ all-time win category. For more on Chris Dyson Racing, visit chrisdysonracing.com |
