Ben Bargwana begins racing
Fifteen-year-old Ben Bargwanna of Warragul has begun his motorcar racing career.
Ben will compete in the Victorian Hyundai Excel series this year.
Ben, a year 10 student at St Paul’s Anglican grammar School, is not even old enough to apply for his learners’ permit. He will be out racing in the hustle and bustle of one make car racing.
Hyundai Excel Racing is the fastest growing motorsport category in the country and Ben will race right across the eastern seaboard, concentrating on the Victorian Championship along with the National Title being held in Victoria in August.
The cars are all the same, they are Hyundai Excel’s that are almost standard in many aspects. They use basic technology, have the same engine, suspension, brakes, tyres etc so it really comes down to the driver’s skill and not the big budget operations, and they produce awesome wheel to wheel close racing. It’s the perfect place for a rookie to start.
After five years of karting and successfully finishing his junior karting career last year with a second in the Victorian State Championship, the move to cars beckoned for 2017.
“After trying a race car late last year I knew straight away what I wanted for 2017,” Ben said.
“It’s a steep learning curve compared to karting, with a gearbox, suspension, shock absorbers, new race tracks and standing starts - but I absolutely love it and it’s the first step to realising my dream of being a Bathurst champion.”.
Ben is the son of 2000 Bathurst winner and two time NZ Touring Car Champion Jason Bargwanna which means that advice is not far away.
“It’s about baby steps, this class and type of racing helps build a database of experience and knowledge, learn tracks and understand the disciplines of close racing,” Jason said.
“Our plan is to build a strong foundation of skills and expertise and make the most of every step up the motor racing ladder.
“We have set modest goals for Ben’s Rookie season, but early signs have us in front of the curve, so bring on 2017.”
Ben will be focusing on the Victorian series which begins at Sandown this weekend.
To follow Ben’s progress @BenBargwannaRacing facebook page.