An Era Ends

An Era Ends

Posted: October 22nd, 2006 in American Le Mans
Author: Dyson Racing
Photo By: Joe Martin

James Weaver, one of the best sports car racers of all time, announced his retirement today at the conclusion of today’s season ending American Le Mans race at Laguna Seca. He closed out his unparalleled career on top, winning second place honors in the 2006 American La Mans series championship.

Weaver has driven for Dyson Racing for twenty years. He has 100 career victories – achieving that milestone at Mosport in 2005. He is one of the world’s finest sports car racers: he has claimed sixty seven poles, seventy fastest laps, thirty six lap records, and over 200 podium finishes. “James is phenomenal,” said team owner Rob Dyson. “He has been one of the primary factors in our success these past twenty years. James was always willing to put in more hours than any other driver to get the car right, and that is what separated him from everyone else.” James won thirty-three races and three championships for Dyson Racing.

Today’s race was classic Weaver. The #16 Thetford/Norlcold car started sixth for the four hour race into dusk. Weaver started the car and passed everyone in front of him— twice– and took advantage of the team’s strategy to bring it in first place when pitting at both the one hour and two hour mark.

The car ended up fourth in class today in the eighth annual race here on the Monterey Peninsula. Chris Dyson got in at the two hour mark and when it went green on lap 97, he executed an Alex Zanardi-like move at the Corkscrew to pass the number two Audi for second, where he remained for several laps. Unfortunately, the American’s set of tires were not consistent, and as the track temperatures fell, the car developed understeer that took away from the optimum handling the car enjoyed the first half of the race.

But today was more than just a race. It marked an end of an era.

“Driving with James in his last race is a great honor,” said Chris Dyson. “He is what every driver aspires to be and more importantly, what every person aspires to be. There is no one more honorable, upstanding and giving as a person. He has been a member of our family, and he’s one of the most influential people in my life. That will never change. It’s an emotional day for all of us, but we’re looking forward to the next challenge. James would have it no other way.”