Dyson Racing Will Have a New Car and a New Look at Sebring

James Weaver did the initial test drives of the new AER powered Lola B06/10 at Sebring International Raceway. (Photo courtesy of the American Le Mans Series)

POUGKEEPSIE, N.Y. - Status quo is not in the Dyson dictionary this year.

Dyson Racing will debut their two new AER V-8 powered Lola B06/10 LMP1 prototypes at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 18.

And for the first time in Dyson Racing’s 30-year history there will also be a completely new look, image and graphic package. Every visual element has been updated: the race cars, transporters, uniforms, souvenirs and pit equipment. From the logo to the work gloves, it is all new.

Designed by noted Formula One designer and long time Dyson collaborator, Peter Boutwood, the goal was a new presentation consistent with Dyson Racing’s history as America’s premier sports car team.

“The challenge was to re-design the whole corporate image, brand and liveries of Dyson Racing while retaining the origins of its image, integrity and identity,” Boutwood said. “It was necessary that the new image unite in a strong corporate brand befitting a successful race team.

The idea for a new team identity was initially discussed a year ago during a pre-season tire test at Sebring International Raceway.

“During the test, Chris (Dyson), Rob (Dyson) and I decided that we needed to update the image of the team in keeping with the upcoming new cars for the 2006 season,” Peter Dyson said. “Rob and Chris pointed us in a direction and we knew that the update would be a complete re-branding and image tie-in with the team sponsors. For a long time, we have wanted a look for the team that was cohesive, consistent and one that would tie the Norcold, Thetford and Dyson Racing images together.”

Dyson Racing fans will be able to purchase exact versions of the new team gear at www.dysonracingswag.com in time for Sebring.

A side view of the new Dyson Racing look on the team's LMP1 prototype. (Photo courtesy of Dyson Racing)

The team tested the new AER powered Lola B06/10 earlier this year at Sebring.

"Compared to the old car, it changes directions much better, it is easier to drive, the aerodynamics are much more benign and it is not as sensitive to ride height as the old car," said James Weaver, who did all the development laps during the three-day test. “Straight out of the box, it is easier to drive and doesn't have any vices. The engine makes good power at the top end and the car is good over the bumps.

“We have some new Penske shock absorbers this year. We have always used Penske shocks but we have a derivative of the dampers that McLaren and Renault used in Formula One on our car and the initial reaction is that it is a definite step forward."