August 1 2023
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From Maungatūroto to the big leagues u by Andy Bryenton
Young motor racing competitor Ben Morrison has featured in these pages before as he has risen through the divisions; now he’s made it to the big leagues of his sport.
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This year, Ben takes on the best of the best in midget car racing, in command of a 400 horsepower machine weighing 400kg. Piloting this super-fast car on a dirt track amid a field of veterans doesn’t faze the young racer, who says he’s grateful for the opportunity. “It’s time to step up to the next class, and this is the pinnacle class for me,” says Ben. “I have been training for this for the past 15 years, ever since I was four years old. I’m very lucky to be there, as not many people ever get this opportunity.” Ben’s parents purchased his custom-built midget car, a class that is so powerful it can wheelstand down the back straight, built from ultra-light materials like carbon fibre and titanium. It will be the first year Ben races with his own professional pit crew against top contenders with multiple championship trophies behind them. To win, everything must be tuned to perfection. “Everyone is on a level playing p Ben Morrison tearing up the track in last year’s midget car racing series; this year, he’s made it to the premier league of his sport, taking on New Zealand’s best racers field at this grade, and we’re all looking for that extra one-tenth of a “The biggest audience for this kind of they need to be replaced, so sponsorship second,” he says. racing is the US, and I would love to race from local well-wishers is vital and With racing set to begin in October, Ben there one day to represent New Zealand,” greatly appreciated. says he’s quietly confident but humble says Ben. For now, it’s all about the mental and enough to recognise that this is a big step The engines for his new midget car physical preparation needed when Ben up. Nevertheless, he says he’s out there come from Toyota in the US, each one hits the track alongside some of the best to race and to win with the podium in his custom-made to withstand the rigours in the sport. While he’s humble enough sights. After all, big US racing teams have of flat-out competition. Tyres, too, are to acknowledge the pedigree and skill of their eyes on this competition, and an custom, with each topping $500 in his rivals, it’s his aim to stand tall atop the international career is a possibility. value. Some last only one race before podium by season’s end. ¢
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