Keating Seeks Fulfillment in IMSA's LMP2 Class Amid Uncertain Future

Ben Keating, the Texan Bronze-rated driver, is contemplating his future in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship's LMP2 class after a challenging campaign with United Autosports. Keating, who has previously won championships in the class, expressed his desire for his time in the car to matter and for the joy of results to be present in his racing endeavors.

Unlocking the Potential: Keating's Pursuit of Meaningful Performances

Dissatisfaction with Unfulfilling Results

Keating's 2023 season in the LMP2 class has been marked by a sense of discontent. Despite his efforts to race to the front, he has only managed to secure one podium finish all year. This has left him feeling frustrated, as his performances behind the wheel have not translated into the desired results.Keating's frustration is exemplified by his experience at the Indy race, where he started in third position and raced to the front, only to end up with a disappointing DNF. While he was satisfied with his driving, the lack of a strong result left him feeling unfulfilled.

The Importance of Meaningful Outcomes

Keating's primary concern is not the financial aspect of racing, but rather the joy and satisfaction he derives from the sport. He emphasizes that he wants his time in the car to matter and for the results to reflect his efforts. The Texan driver is driven by the thrill of victory and the sense of accomplishment that comes with successful outings.Keating's desire for meaningful outcomes is further highlighted by his grievances with the current class split procedure during Full Course Yellows. He believes that the passarounds, which remove slower traffic between the LMP2 contenders, nullify the effect of penalties and create an environment where other LMP2 drivers can easily "bump you out of the way" on restarts.

Exploring Alternative Opportunities

Amidst his dissatisfaction with the LMP2 class, Keating has expressed interest in exploring other racing opportunities. He is understood to be in the frame for a return to TF Sport to join its Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R program in 2025, which could provide him with a new challenge and the potential for more fulfilling results.Keating's openness to exploring alternative options is a testament to his desire to find a racing program that aligns with his passion and competitive spirit. He acknowledges that he has received "really good offers" and "really inexpensive deals" from various teams, but his focus remains on finding the right fit where he can compete at the front and enjoy the thrill of victory.

Uncertainty and Anticipation for the Future

As Keating contemplates his next move, he remains confident that he will be present at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January and the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, the specifics of his 2025 racing plans are still undecided, as he continues to weigh his options and seek the right opportunity to reignite his passion for the sport.Keating's journey in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship's LMP2 class has been marked by both success and frustration. As he navigates the uncertain path ahead, his unwavering desire for meaningful performances and the joy of results will undoubtedly shape his decision-making process, as he seeks to find the racing program that truly fulfills his competitive spirit and passion for the sport.