FOLLOWING ROAD AMERICA CRASH DYSON AIMS FOR WATKINS GLEN REBOUND AND RETURN TO TRANS AM CHAMPIONSHIP POINT LEAD 

September 4, 2019

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (Sept 4, 2019) — For the opening laps of the most recent race on the Trans Am schedule, at Wisconsin’s Road America circuit, it looked like polesitter Chris Dyson was on his way to his third victory in four races and an expanded lead in the seasons point championship. But, nothing is certain in motorsports, and a brake issue forced a mid-race pitstop and then after setting the race’s fastest lap, a total brake failure led to a race-ending crash for Dyson’s Plaid Mustang.

But that’s water under the bridge now and Dyson expects to have a strong race this Sunday at Watkins Glen. “The incident at Road America was disappointing to say the least,” Dyson said. “It’s really unfortunate, because we had such a strong car with so much pace all weekend there. And all season long I felt that we had an advantage in braking performance. But, the team has focused on getting to the bottom of the issue and we’ve solved the problem. In retrospect I have to admit that as a driver there were some indications of the root cause of problem that I should have picked up sooner.”

The accident in Wisconsin erased Dyson’s five-point advantage over defending series champion Ernie Francis, Jr. and has left him in second place in the point standing, nine behind Francis.

“During the course of a full season in a series that is as competitive as this one, it’s inevitable that everyone will have some instances of bad fortune,” Dyson said. “My competitors have and now I have as well. That’s just the way it is, and we are ready to go on from here. The only difference is that rather than having all my competitors chasing me, now I’m chasing (Francis).”

Dyson suffered a sprained wrist in the Road America crash, which forced him to cancel his plans last weekend to drive the works LMP1 Ginetta-AER at the opening round of the 2019 – 2020 World Endurance Championship at Silverstone. “I wanted to make absolutely certain my wrist would be fully recovered and thankfully it is, just in time for this weekend’s race at Watkins Glen.”

Business commitments in Europe this week mean that Dyson will not arrive at the Upstate New York circuit until after Thursday’s test sessions. Trans Am TA2 class star Rafa Matos will shake down Dyson’s repaired Plaid Mustang in the preliminary practice sessions. “I am grateful to Rafa for agreeing to drive my car while I’m on my way back from Europe. He’s a terrific racer and I know the Plaid Mustang Mustang will be ready to go for me in time for the official practice and qualifying sessions. I know my way around the track Watkins Glen and have had good success there in the past."

Dyson became the youngest-ever winner of the Six Hours of the Glen race in 2002 and counts several podiums there over two decades of racing at his second "home track."

"So while the competition in this series is tough, I know I’ll be ready to go. I’m looking forward to a good, competitive race on Sunday. And to getting our championship efforts back on track.”

Plaid

Headquartered in Atlanta, Plaid Enterprises, Inc. is one of the world's largest, most diverse manufacturers of creative do-it-yourself products. Plaid’s product innovation and dedication to the ever-changing needs of consumers have made the Plaid family of products among the most recognized and desired brands worldwide.

Founded in 1976, Plaid began as a publisher of how-to craft books. The company soon expanded into manufacturing, with paint becoming the primary focus. Today, Plaid is the industry's leading small batch paint manufacturer, proudly producing paint in its facilities located outside of Atlanta, GA.

Notable brands in Plaid's portfolio include FolkArt, Apple Barrel, Delta, Bucilla, Martha Stewart Crafts, and one of the industry's best known, Mod Podge, a favorite since 1967.