Biography
Ben is a lifelong racing fan who has been determined to be involved in the sport for as he could talk, and possibly before that
Racing Days
After a childhood of pestering Ben’s parents finally relented and sent him to race school at Silverstone in 2002 following the end of his International Baccalaureat. The aim was to get the racing cars out of his system before University. It failed, Ben won the end of course race and was convinced he was destined for international superstardom
2003-04 - BRDC Single Seaters
Ben moved on to compete in the BRDC Single Seater Championship at the end of 2003 in advance of a full season in 2004. In hindsight it was too high a level too soon and Ben struggled against drivers who came into the series with extensive racing and karting experience. As 2004 went on Ben established himself as a regular top-6 finisher but couldn’t break through onto the podium. Some great races at Silverstone, Oulton Park and Brands Hatch not withstanding it was a disappointing season.
2005-07 UK Formula Vee
A spectacular crash at the end of 2004 led to some sponsorship for the 2005 season which was invested in three race weekends in Formula Vee with the Scarab team. Almost immediately Ben was established as a front runner scoring a top 10 finish at Pembrey in only his second race.
2006 saw Ben move on to become the lead driver in Scarab team and had a successful and enjoyable season. Despite learning many tracks as he went Ben was often in the top 10 and only just missed out on the podium on several occasions.
For 2007 Ben remained with the Scarab team for a challenge on the title. A very strong start to the season including a podium at Lydden Hill was then followed by some big disappointments including crashing out of podium positions at Castle Combe and Cadwell Park. The summer floods badly affected the Scarab workshop and with no spares left the plug was pulled on the season after the 40th Anniversary meeting at Brands Hatch.
2008 European Formula Vee
Ben’s next step was to move into European Formula Vee for the 2008 season thanks to generous backing from Spring recruitment. Against a slender field Ben was immediately a front runner and was on the podium in all but two of the races he competed in, including a dramatic last lap win at Varano. However by this time Ben was beginning to get the commentary bookings coming in and he was finding this to be more enjoyable, and a lot less expensive than the racing. Following a collision with a backmarker on the final corner at Hockenhim whilst challenging for the win Ben decided to stop racing and focus on commentating
Commentating
First and foremost Ben has always been a racing fan and therefore commentary was a natural step. Thanks to the kindness and support of Brian Jones, David Addison and Ian Sowman, Ben was able to jump start his career at the end of 2007 leading to several bookings for 2008. This proved the springboard to establishing Ben as one of the foremost UK circuit and TV commentators.
Ben has commentated live on TV for the World Series by Renault, together with providing highlights commentary for the Lotus Cup Europe, Mini Challenge, GT Cup and Radical UK Cup
Ben is probably best known for his circuit work where he has commentated on BTCC, F3/GT, A1GP, Superleague Formula, Britcar 24hrs and many, many national meetings particularly for MSVR
Away from the track
Despite his motor sport commitments, Ben also has to pay the rent and works as management consultant, principally in the public sector. His hobbies include watching sport (particularly Rugby), jogging, reading and metal music.
