TA Class: Chris Dyson Sets the Benchmark
On September 5, 2025, Chris Dyson made a definitive statement in the Trans Am (TA) class qualifying session at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP). The veteran driver put down a blistering lap that not only earned him the top spot but also reasserted his command in a tightly contested field. With championship stakes looming and high-speed consistency required on one of North America’s fastest road courses, Dyson executed with razor precision.
Driving the No. 16 Ford Mustang, Dyson punched out a fastest lap of 1:17.093, locking in pole position under ideal weather and track conditions. His performance was marked by strategic corner exits, exceptional braking stability through Moss Corner, and relentless commitment through the fast sweepers like Turn 8 and Turn 9. This lap stood as the high watermark in a session where every tenth of a second mattered.
TA Qualifying Top Performers
| Position | Driver | Car | Best Lap Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Dyson | No. 16 Ford Mustang | 1:17.093 |
| 2 | Tomy Drissi | No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro | 1:17.525 |
| 3 | Amy Ruman | No. 23 Chevrolet Corvette | 1:18.029 |
Breakthrough in TA2: Tyler Gonzalez Delivers Under Pressure
The TA2 qualifying session brought its own brand of drama—and history. On the same day, Tyler Gonzalez clinched his first-ever pole position in the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series, sending a jolt through the paddock. Behind the wheel of his No. 4 car, Gonzalez clocked in a best time of 1:22.664, snatching the top spot in a fiercely competitive session.
Gonzalez’s run was a showcase of raw pace and technical refinement. The 21-year-old approached every corner with composure that belied his relative inexperience at this level. More importantly, he managed tire temps, traffic, and mental pressure with impressive discipline. This wasn’t just a lucky flyer—it was a full-session demonstration of pace management and adaptability.
TA2 Qualifying Standouts
| Position | Driver | Car | Best Lap Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyler Gonzalez | No. 4 Ford Mustang | 1:22.664 |
| 2 | Connor Zilisch | No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro | 1:22.749 |
| 3 | Rafa Matos | No. 88 Dodge Challenger | 1:22.801 |
Why CTMP Qualifying Matters This Year
CTMP isn’t just another stop on the calendar. With its high-speed layout, unforgiving corners, and rich history in motorsport, it tests drivers in ways most tracks don’t. Success here signals a driver’s complete command of their machine—particularly in qualifying, where there’s zero room for error.
This weekend marks a pivotal moment for both TA and TA2 championship contenders. For Dyson, leading qualifying further anchors his 2025 campaign. For Gonzalez, it may be the catalyst that takes him from promising up-and-comer to consistent frontrunner. The split between veteran execution and rookie breakthrough was on full display—and it’s set the tone for an electric race day.
TA vs. TA2: Different Weapons, Same Battlefield
The TA class features more powerful cars with higher downforce, while TA2 focuses on spec racing that emphasizes driver skill and setup discipline. Yet at CTMP, the overlap in racing lines, braking zones, and overtaking challenges make both sessions gripping to watch. The best laps from both Dyson and Gonzalez were separated by a hair over five seconds—a nod to both performance classes’ evolving competitiveness.
The stakes for both classes are crystal clear: win now, or get left behind in the championship fight. Dyson’s sharp time reaffirms his intent to retain his crown. Gonzalez’s breakout pole tells the rest of the grid they’ll need to raise their game. It’s not just about who’s fastest—it’s about who can stay there when the green flag drops.
What to Expect on Race Day
Track conditions are expected to hold steady for race day, which means tire degradation, traffic management, and pit strategy will become the key variables. The front-row starters will need to assert themselves early, especially through Turn 1 and into the long climb to Turn 2. Mistakes here get amplified fast at CTMP, particularly with such tight margins across the field.
Fans should expect high-speed chess across all classes. Dyson will have a target on his back as usual, but his rhythm at this track suggests he’s ready for the pressure. Gonzalez’s confidence is soaring, but he’ll need to manage the grind of a full race with seasoned rivals breathing down his neck.
