Ben Keating indicated that he anticipates adopting a modified race plan for this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans as he returns from injury.
The FIA Bronze-rated driver sustained a broken elbow and missed the first two FIA World Endurance Championship rounds driving the No. 33 TF Sport Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, but has since received clearance to compete next weekend.
Keating is slated to run his first laps in any race car during tomorrow’s Le Mans test session, though he expressed confidence that the plan would hold.
“I spent roughly four hours straight in my simulator with the force feedback set fairly high,” he told Sportscar365. “I believe it’s a solid analogue; I might have had the force feedback dialed up more than in the real car.”
“It felt fine. I was a bit sore, but it proved to be solid preparation—a good workout to gear up for the race.”
The 54-year-old from Texas said he has received full medical clearance to compete, though he expects some degree of discomfort.
“The physician told me you can’t inflict further damage,” he explained. “You can push ahead, but it’s likely not going to feel very pleasant.” He’s given me full clearance.
“He explained that the initial focus is on rebuilding the muscle, with endurance developing gradually over time.”
“I’m concentrating on strengthening the muscle and anticipate some fatigue by race end.”
When posed with whether it will alter his car’s race plan—the approach that usually has him meeting the six-hour minimum early on—he replied, “maybe.”
“Last year I ran five stints consecutively at the start of the race,” he noted. “I probably won’t repeat that. I could, but likely not. We’ll see.”
Keating aims for his third Le Mans class triumph, and his first since 2023 in the final year of GTE-Am, when he drove a Corvette Racing C8.R alongside Nicky Catsburg and Nico Varrone.
Corvette Racing factory ace Catsburg will be part of the field next weekend, along with Jonny Edgar.
“I believe we’ll have a strong car and a solid squad,” Keating stated. “I also know that every contender faces long odds; there are countless variables that can unfold.”
“As in years past, I assemble the best team possible and hope for favorable results.”
