Dickson initially worked in various engineering positions for automotive companies including
BMW,
Isuzu, and
Ford before being recruited as an engine designer by
Westport Innovations in
Vancouver. In the early 2000s, he competed in the Race the Base Event at
CFB Cold Lake in
Cold Lake, Alberta. During this event, he misjudged the braking distance that was necessary to make the turn at the end of the runway. Consequently, his car spun out of control.
Area 27 and Cannonball Run Dickson's love of the film
Cannonball Run inspired him to team up with Bill Drossos and Canadian Formula One racer
Jacques Villeneuve to create the racetrack and race club Area 27. The track derives its name from Jacques' racing number. Dickson's group negotiated with the
Osoyoos Indian Band for a long-term lease on the land. GPS-guided earthmovers were used to trace the layout of the 4.9 kilometer track, and 12,139 feet of concrete was used on the track and its barriers. The track is now a full-sized racing club with an on-site racing school and other facilities. He later founded the annual Diamond Rally, an invite-only charity rally of 200 supercars, sponsored by Hublot Vancouver. The rally raises money for charity and runs from
Vancouver to
Whistler and the Okanagan via the
Sea-to-Sky Highway. ==Venture capitalist==