THE-LOWDOWN is proud and excited to announce its support and sponsorship of race car driver Ben Porter. Ben’s got some serious talent and experience behind his name and is set to compete in a GT3 Lamborghini Huracan for the upcoming 2018 Blancpain GT Series Asia in Malaysia, Thailand, Japan and China. Before he sets off to hit the international circuits, we quickly caught up with Ben to learn more about his racing passion and history.
Ben, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to catch up with us. To kick things off, tell us a bit about yourself and what got you into motorsport?
Ben: Driving and cars have been the only things that ever interested me. My family have always been involved so it was a natural step for me.
How long have you been racing for?
Ben: I started in go karts in 1993 at age 10, then moved onto car racing in 1999.
When you’re not racing or doing motorsport related activities, what do you like to get up to?
Ben: To be honest my life revolves around cars. Driving is my sport, livelihood and hobby. Although i also enjoy the snow and knocking around with friends.
What’s the highlight of your racing career and history?
Ben: Winning my first national title in Formula Vee and being given the opportunity to race in the Bathurst 12 hour with the AMAC squad.
What’s the best car you’ve ever driven, and what made it stand out to you?
Ben: The best car I have driven is this years race car, the Lamborghini Huracan GT3. It is a total weapon, particularly the cornering and braking capacity. It is impossible to put into words the feeling of driving it.
Talk us through the few days before a big race like the upcoming Blancpain GT Series in Asia. How do you prepare and what goes through your mind?
Ben: Preparation started the moment I was invited to drive this year with gym and simulator sessions. On the race weekends I mentally prepare by studying footage and data specific to the track then back that up by walking the track to study it in detail.
And what about during the race? What do you think about when you’re alone in the car?
Ben: The focus is all about the strategy based on the session be it practice, qualifying or race and how to maximise the result of every second spent in the car. Precision, no mistakes and extracting everything you can from the car and situation.
Tell us about AMAC Motorsport and the Lamborghini Huracan GT3. How did the partnership with yourself and AMAC come about?
Ben: I met Andrew (team owner and co-driver) about 10 years ago. He began doing track days in road cars and I coached him. His addiction of motorsport grew from trackdays to this! I’ve been fortunate to have been apart of the journey. Andrew and the rest of the team are great guys. Over the years we have developed great friendships, it is a very enjoyable way to go racing.
How familiar are you with the Huracan that you’ll be racing? Have you had much testing time in it?
Ben: I have had some testing which is nice but am still learning. The Huracan is an unbelievably technical car and you never stop learning. I have a great working relationship with the team. Everytime we put the car ontrack we move forward.
And what can you tell our fans about the upcoming Blancpain GT Series Asia?
Ben: GT is the pinnacle of sports car racing next to LeMan. The racing is fast, cut throat and super exciting. I can’t wait!
What’s the competition playing field going to be like?
Ben: All the top car manufacturers and drivers from around the world will be competing and all want to win. The competition is guaranteed to be fierce.
Have you raced on the tracks in Suzuka, Fuji or Shanghai before?
Ben: This is the first time to compete in Asia so it will be a challenge which i’m looking forward to. These are some epic tracks with serious history.
When you’re not out on the racetrack, what would be your ideal street car?
Ben: That is too hard to answer. I have such a broad interest in cars that it changes on an hourly basis. One minute its a AMG S63 then a Ferrari TDF, F40 then a rat VW or a JDM Skyline…
Ben Porter would like to thank Andrew and the team for the chance, Phil for all of his help, his wife De for allowing him to follow his dream and his mother and father for all of their support.
The full spec sheet on the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 can be found here. The 2018 Blancpain GT Series Asia kicks off on April 14 at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. To keep up to date with Ben Porter, you can follow him on Instagram and Facebook.