Dion Bros. 10th in points after satisfying run at Lime Rock Park
5/29/04 - Changes in the race schedule for 2004 put a kink into the Dion Brothers Racing team strategy. The team has run a partial schedule for the past few seasons, building up a cushion of points early in the season in order to maintain a top 15 standing while skipping the expense of running the road course races. While not running for the championship, points are still important to the team for prize money and help with the tire expenses.
After a good finish in the season opener at Lee and a strong 3rd place finish at Thompson, the Dion Brothers felt it was too early in the season to fall behind in points so trip to Lime Rock was pulled together. Since the team no longer maintains a road course car, they pressed their speedway car into service. The strategy for the weekend was to stay on the track and stay out of trouble.
Rain on Friday scrubbed qualifying so the field was set based on 2003 points, with Dion lined up 14th on the grid. Dion dropped to the rear for the initial start in case there was any excitement in turn 1. While he was able to negotiate the turns successfully, Dion was forced to pit to fix a smoking problem. Dion returned to the track several laps down but with a car that was running well enough to keep up with the pack. Dion finished the race in 22nd place and remains in the top 10 in points.