Keating's Cautionary Tale: Why LMDh Racing is Best Left to the Pros

Gentleman driver Ben Keating has made a bold declaration after his first experience in an LMDh car at the Daytona 24 Hours this year. The seasoned racer, known for his versatility and success across various motorsport disciplines, has emphatically stated that he has no desire to compete in the top prototype category again, citing a sense of fear and discomfort that left him questioning the suitability of these high-performance machines for amateur drivers.

A Veteran's Perspective: Keating's Candid Reflection on LMDh Challenges

Pushing the Limits: The Thrill and Trepidation of LMDh Driving

Keating, a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, has always relished the challenge of pushing his limits behind the wheel. However, his foray into the world of LMDh racing at Daytona has left him with a newfound respect for the sheer complexity and demands of these cutting-edge prototypes. "I enjoy pushing my limits, I enjoy feeling like okay the car is capable of much more than I am and I can really push the limits of myself in a race car," he explained. "But the LMDh car, pff! I felt like I'm scared. Every corner, every brake zone."

The Weight of Responsibility: Navigating the Challenges of LMDh as a Bronze Driver

As a bronze-rated driver, Keating's primary responsibility in the LMDh car was to avoid any costly mistakes. "My only job as a bronze driver driving the LMDh is to not wreck. No one is expecting me to be as fast as all the other people, so I feel like my only job is to not wreck," he said. However, this task proved to be more daunting than anticipated, as Keating acknowledged the inherent difficulty in keeping these powerful machines under control. "And I would say that in an LMDh car that is a hard job, it's hard not to wreck that car."

Lessons from the Pros: Observing the Struggles of Seasoned Hypercar Drivers

Keating's experience at Le Mans further reinforced his belief that LMDh cars are best left to the professionals. "I watch all the Hypercar drivers spinning in qualifying [at Le Mans]. I know what that's like. Those are really good drivers, but that car is really hard to drive," he noted. This observation underscores the immense challenge these vehicles pose, even for the most skilled and experienced drivers in the sport.

Embracing His Strengths: Keating's Preference for LMP2 and GT Racing

While Keating has ruled out a return to the LMDh class, he remains committed to his racing endeavors, particularly in the LMP2 and GT categories. "I enjoy pushing my limits, I enjoy feeling like okay the car is capable of much more than I am and I can really push the limits of myself in a race car," he said, indicating a preference for machinery that allows him to explore the boundaries of his own abilities without the overwhelming demands of the LMDh platform.

Balancing Commitments: Keating's Approach to Dual-Class Participation

Keating's racing career has been marked by his ability to juggle multiple commitments simultaneously, often competing in two different classes at the same event. While he is not ruling out a return to this approach, he has made it clear that he will likely avoid the LMDh class in the future. "I may double duty but probably not in a hypercar," he stated, hinting at the possibility of combining his LMP2 program with a GT3 entry, a strategy he has successfully employed in the past.In the end, Keating's candid assessment of his LMDh experience serves as a cautionary tale for amateur drivers aspiring to compete in the top echelons of prototype racing. His willingness to acknowledge his limitations and prioritize his own safety and enjoyment of the sport is a testament to his maturity and respect for the challenges inherent in these cutting-edge machines. As the world of endurance racing continues to evolve, Keating's story serves as a reminder that sometimes, the wisest choice is to know one's limits and focus on the disciplines that truly ignite the passion and thrill of the race.