POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (March 26, 2023) – A caution period midway through the race was the only thing that slowed Chris Dyson and his #16 GYM WEED Ford Mustang on the way to a dominating win in the 100-mile Bennett/BridgeHaul Classic at Road Atlanta. Dyson, the defending series champion and last year’s Road Atlanta winner, started on the pole and led every lap.
“You almost never have a car that is so good you just don’t want the race to end,” Dyson said in the winner’s circle. “But this was one of those days. My guys gave me an absolute rocket this weekend. I am so grateful.”
Despite the mid-race caution period that bunched up the field, Dyson swept under the checkered flag 15.053 seconds ahead of the #79 Dodge Challenger of runner-up Boris Said. “I just didn’t have anything for Chris today,” he said.
Not that Dyson was in cruise mode. “There are no easy laps at Road Atlanta,” he said. “You have to keep your head up and be on point all the time. This place demands your full attention and respect.”
Following a mechanical DNF at the Sebring season-opener, this was Dyson’s second straight victory of the three races run so far this season. The win, which vaulted him into 2023 series point lead, also marked Dyson’s fourth Trans Am win at the North Georgia circuit and his 21st career Trans Am race win.
“I’ve driven a lot of races in different series here over the past two decades,” Dyson said, noting that he’d clinched his first IMSA American Le Mans championship at the 2003 edition of the Petit Le Mans. “But this one feels special. My first Trans Am win was here in 2018, which was my first full season in the series.”
Brabham’s Bad Luck
For most of the race it looked like it was going to be a third straight CD Racing one-two finish. Matt Brabham, who won at Sebring after Dyson’s mount broke down, qualified the #20 GYM WEED Ford Mustang on the outside of the front row. After an early battle with Said, Brabham was running in second place until retiring just six laps from the finish with a suspected powertrain issue.
Next Up: Lime Rock Park
