Dyson becomes factory Mazda team

Dyson Mazda Livery

Dyson Racing and MAZDASPEED Motorsports have joined forces for a long-term partnership in the top echelon of American sports car racing. Sponsored by the BP energy company, the team will campaign two Lola LMP2 coupes in the 11-race American Le Mans Series for the 2009 season. The BP Dyson Racing Mazda coupes will be powered by the 2.0 liter turbo Mazda MZR- engines prepared by Advanced Engine Research (AER) Ltd.

“No other car company can match Mazda’s breadth of motorsports involvement," stated Team Principal Rob Dyson. “They are an ascendant car company and while other car companies are cutting back their on-track programs, Mazda is strengthening theirs which highlights the depth of their commitment and dedication. Throughout all of our discussions, it has impressed us how closely their passion for the sport matches ours."

Robert T. Davis, Senior Vice-President Quality, Research and Development, said, “We are excited that the Dyson team is coming onboard. It was clear in the preparations they are making leading up to the announcement that they have a family mindset that will fit in well with the Mazda family of racers and teams. We’re expecting big successes together."

“We have enjoyed great success in the past with the Lola-AER combination," said Vice President and Sporting Director Chris Dyson. “We know how to get race-winning speed from this package and our valued partner, Michelin, will be adding their competitive expertise. When you combine this experience with the enthused support of our new partners BP and Mazda, Dyson Racing has a very promising future. This is a long-term commitment and we look forward to utilizing Mazda’s breadth of involvement in racing to build programs of driver training and team development. Our new facility is about to come on line shortly and will lend itself well to developing additional platforms in partnership with Mazda. It will be a good new year for Dyson Racing."

The team will begin testing before the end of the year and will be announcing the driver line-up in the near future.