Dayson Teams With Music Heals Charity For Remainder Of 2016 Season

James Dayson is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Music Heals for the remainder of his 2016 season in the IMSA Mazda Prototype Lites presented by Cooper Tires.

"We like to think that we are a charity that moves quickly, and now we literally will", says Music Heals Executive Director Chris Brandt. "We are excited to have this opportunity and are grateful to James for his enthusiastic support on and off the race track."

The Music Heals Charitable Foundation raises awareness of the healing powers of music and fundraises for music therapy and related services across Canada. Their mission is to increase patient access to music therapy in children’s hospitals, seniors’ homes, palliative care facilities, burn units, across the autism spectrum, bereavement support, at-risk youth programs and more. Music Heals has donated almost a half-million dollars to music therapy programs in Canada in their first three years in operation. 

James Dayson’s maiden season in IMSA Mazda Prototype Lites has been full of ups and downs. James drives the #12 car for ESM Racing based out of Riviera Beach, Florida.

Coming out of 4 years in USF2000 Championship series has helped James to develop the skills to be competitive in the Elan DP02 chassis which has much more downforce and power. “I love driving the car, it is such a great challenge. I find my driving style is well suited for the car and its nice to be getting some good consistent results.” Dayson hasn’t finished outside the top ten since the season opener in Race 1 in Sebring. Watkins Glen proved to be the low point of the season. After a 10th place finish in round 3, the first of a triple header, round 4 saw a non-start due to mechanical issues. Round 5 was looking promising as Dayson moved quickly up the field from a P12 start. Running the quickest time of the race in sector 1 he moved up to P6 and was closing in quickly on P5 before an electrical issue caused a full loss of power with ten minutes remaining. The next weekend saw the Canadian return to home soil at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park for Rounds 6 & & 7. Round 6 was a P6 finish, with the next round P9 after a strange penalty forced James to take the green from the rear of the field and fight his way back to another top 10. The downs of the season are pale in comparison to some of the struggles that exist for benefactors of the Music Heals Charity.

“I’m really excited to be bringing Music Heals on board with my team and sponsors. Music is a huge part of my life, the inspiration and plethora of emotions it can provide me is incredible, yet the power it has for those in need, those with disabilities and many other struggles is even more profound and impactful. I’m a big supporter of the charity and the work they do is simply incredible. I’m hoping that our partnership will help bring additional exposure in new markets to help build their awareness and to raise more funds moving forward.”

Music Heals joins the current season long sponsors Arai Helmets of America and Elite Performance to close out the last 3 events of the 2016 season. This coming weekend is the Grand Prix of Trois Riviere August 12-14th, followed by Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca September 9-11th  and the season finale at Road Atlanta for Petit Le Mans at the end of September.