
Dylan is an AUTO qualifier and arguably the smartest racer in the men’s field. He doesn’t just “race hard” — he races correctly: managing effort, choosing moments, and punishing mistakes. That makes him lethal at Majors where the difference between podium and 8th is usually discipline, not fitness.
Phoenix storyline: the chess player. Dylan can win a race by making fewer errors than everyone else. And if it turns tactical, he’s comfortable letting others burn matches while he stays in control. He’s not here for a dramatic first half — he’s here for a brutal second half where brains matter. If Phoenix is a thinking man’s Major, Dylan’s the guy.