Rob Dyson’s long motorsport career has brought many friendships along the way—among them, a lasting connection with Skip Barber. The two shared a love of driving, mentoring young racers, and preserving the history of motorsport. Both are members of the Road Racing Drivers Club (RRDC), and Dyson served as a Director of the Skip Barber Racing School, supporting Skip’s mission of growing the sport from the grassroots up.

The year was 1974 when Dyson strapped into the seat of a modest Datsun 510, ready to take the green flag in his very first SCCA race. From that first event, Dyson knew racing wasn’t just a hobby — it was going to be a way of life.

Success came quickly on the amateur circuit, and soon, the call of professional competition proved too loud to ignore. By 1982, Dyson was running in the IMSA GTO and SCCA Trans-Am Series, taking his racing dreams to the national stage.

But racing isn’t just about driving — it’s about building. In 1983, Dyson founded the Dyson Racing Team in Poughkeepsie, New York. What began as a small effort would become one of America’s most accomplished sports car teams, collecting 19 championships, 72 race wins, 72 pole positions, and 224 podiums over nearly four decades.

A turning point came in 1985 when Dyson purchased a Porsche 962, launching the team into the prestigious IMSA GTP ranks. In a moment of poetic symmetry, Dyson Racing won its very first GTP race at Lime Rock Park — a place that would become a touchstone for the team.

Rob wasn’t just the team owner; he was one of its competitors. Another milestone was reached in 1986 when Dyson competed in the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans, piloting a Porsche 956 in the world’s most grueling endurance race. Throughout 92 professional races, he captured four overall wins, including the crown jewel: the 1997 Rolex 24 at Daytona.

The Dyson Racing Team’s story would add more chapters, including a second Rolex 24 victory in 1999. But the foundation was always the same — one driver’s passion, a family-built team, and an unrelenting drive to win.

And the winning spirit didn’t stop with Rob. Today, Dyson Racing continues as a family-run operation with Rob’s son, Chris Dyson, now leading the charge behind the wheel. Chris has built an impressive record of his own, earning two Trans Am championships and extending the team’s legacy well into the modern era of American road racing.

Rob Dyson is renowned not only for his racing achievements but also for his deep passion for vintage and historic automobiles. His enthusiasm began early—at age 13, Dyson purchased a derelict Ford Model A coupe, even sleeping in it the first night he owned it, marking the start of a lifelong fascination with classic cars. Over the years, he has amassed an impressive collection of historic vehicles, particularly vintage Indy cars. Among the significant machines that will be on display and on track at this year’s Historic Festival are a 1913 Isotta Fraschini Tipo IM, David Hobbs’ 1973 Black Carling McLaren, Johnny Rutherford’s 1978 Budweiser McLaren M24B, and the groundbreaking 1961 Kimberly Cooper Climax—the first successful rear-engine car to compete in the Indianapolis 500.

His commitment to automotive history extends beyond the driver’s seat. Describing himself simply as a “car guy,” Dyson finds as much joy in restoring and preserving old racecars as he does in racing them.

In 2021, that passion took on an even larger role when Dyson was named chairman of the board of directors of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, following a decade of service on its board. In addition to his museum leadership, Dyson has also served on the board of directors of International Speedway Corporation, further reflecting his longstanding commitment to the sport at every level. With his collector’s eye and racer’s heart, he is ensuring that the story of motorsport will inspire generations to come.

Don’t miss your chance to see Dyson’s remarkable collection of historic cars on display. Get your tickets now at limerock.com.