A thrilling debut is on the horizon as professional endurance racing multi-time champion, Ben Keating, is set to take the track in the 2023 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires. The stage is none other than the Petit Le Mans, marking Keating's first-ever appearance in the series as he joins forces with Saito Motorsports Group for the season finale.
Ben Keating's racing résumé reads like a roadmap of victories, with an impressive list of achievements in the world of endurance racing. Now, he's prepared to test his skills in a new arena, taking the wheel of a Mazda MX-5 Cup car for the very first time.
“I am extremely excited to be racing in the MX5 Cup with Saito Motorsports Group; And to be honest, quite nervous. It looks like a total blast to drive and the competition looks like a ton of fun” said Keating. “I have never raced in a series where I may be pushing someone else or might be being pushed by someone.”
Ben Keating's racing legacy boasts back-to-back WEC (LMGTE Am) Championships, an IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Challenge (LMP2) championship, and a current leading position as he heads into the final two rounds of the Weathertech SportsCar Challenge (LMP2). With multiple prestigious wins, including 24 Hours at Daytona, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and 12 Hours of Sebring, Keating has solidified his reputation as a dominant force on any circuit. His decision to venture into the MX-5 Cup underscores his passion for racing and his relentless pursuit of new horizons in motorsport.
Jay Saito, Team Owner of SMG, shared his enthusiasm for having Ben Keating on board for the grand finale at Petit Le Mans. “I have been a longtime admirer of Keating’s on track pursuits. Ben’s arrival is a game changer for us and a very important moment in our team’s history. We are honored and privileged to participate in this series and, to have the opportunity to compete with Keating, it’s just beyond words. Ben is sure to ignite new and additional enthusiasm for the series and we are looking forward to seeing him embrace this new challenge. In such a competitive field of drivers and teams, success is always hard to achieve, but we look forward to the challenge for the weekend.”
As Ben Keating prepares to make his debut in the MX-5 Cup, fans and fellow racers alike are buzzing with anticipation. The series finale at Petit Le Mans promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with Keating's participation adding an extra layer of intrigue to the proceedings.
In Ben's own words, “I have to imagine the race-craft is totally different, and I want to fit in well without making a rookie mistake. I have a lot to learn and that is one of the things I love about Motorsports.”
Stay tuned for an unforgettable race at Petit Le Mans, as Ben Keating takes his first steps into the world of MX-5 Cup racing with Saito Motorsports Group.
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