POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (February 17, 2021) — Chris Dyson aims to start the 2021 Trans Am by Pirelli season in the same fashion he finished 2020 – with a race victory from the pole. But as Dyson starts his fourth year as a full-time Trans Am driver, it’s the season championship he has in his sights, and not just race wins – of which there has been a good number. Over the course of the past three seasons Dyson has won six poles, finished on the podium 14 times and taken home the winner’s trophy on six occasions. In the season championship standings he has twice been third and once runner-up.
“Last year I felt like in every race where we didn’t have a mechanical issue, I had a good shot at winning,” Dyson said. Over the course of the 2020 season, which was jumbled by the Covid-19 pandemic, Dyson took two wins – at Road America and in the season finale at Road Atlanta – both from pole position. “I am looking forward to a strong championship campaign this year.”
Dyson noted that a number of detail improvements were made to his #20 Plaid Ford Mustang over the winter. The team examined the areas in which the package could be improved in terms of reliability and performance. “We had a great test earlier this week at Homestead. I didn’t feel at all like it had been three months since I’d last sat in this car. But you always get that buzz every time after a long layoff. All of the team’s extra efforts and attention to detail is evident. I expect we will be fast this weekend in the season opener at Sebring. I’m equally optimistic about our chances at in the second race of the season at Road Atlanta, where we have always been quick. But pace is only one part of the formula; the biggest priority this year is race finishes and completing every lap of every race.”
Dyson credited the Trans Am Series owner Tony Parella for the quality of the 12-race 2021 schedule. “We will be racing on all the great North American circuits. I’m particularly glad that we will be returning to this year to our home track, Lime Rock Park. I was disappointed that because of the pandemic our race there – which we won so memorably in 2019 – had to be canceled last year. Still, Tony and series president John Clagett did a great job last year under trying circumstances to keep our championship going. Despite all the issues they faced, they put together an excellent nine race season. The series has gone from strength to strength during my three seasons.”
Dyson’s #20 car will feature an in-car camera at all twelve rounds of the 2021 Trans Am Series as the series builds on its live-streaming success of 2020. “The live-stream broadcasts have been a fantastic way for all of our fans around the world to follow our exciting races. The Trans Am by Pirelli app works really well on all mobile devices and I’m thrilled how many friends and fans have been able to be so engaged all year, all around the world. I have always enjoyed allowing fans to watch alongside me in the Mustang and enjoy the action. It is as close to firsthand as you can experience what we do. We will work hard to put on a great show every single weekend!”
Masaood Aims For Expanded 2021 Trans Am Program
Last year Dyson’s teammate Humaid Masaoud finished ninth in the final season standing, despite driving in only five of the nine races. This year Masaood plans to compete with his #21 Amamos La Vida Tequila Ford Mustang in as many races as his business schedule permits.
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.
Amamos La Vida Tequila
Amamos La Vida, We Love Life! Produced by one of the most awarded tequila distilleries in Mexico, this international-award-winning tequila is being introduced to the US market in 2020.
All varieties of Amamos La Vida Tequila are created using traditional methods of manufacturing, acquiring the best agaves from the region of Tequila and the highlands and lowlands of Jalisco, and then combining the baking processes of both traditional ovens covered in stone masonry and autoclaves. The Distillery’s combined experience of 72 years means La Vida’s ultra-smooth taste will impress both new and experienced tequila drinkers.
Leaving you with only one thing to say, We Love Life!!!