Following in the Family Footsteps

For Ben Vaughan, racing isn’t just a passion; it’s a family legacy. Hailing from Rotorua and now based at Baypark Speedway, Vaughan has spent 18 years behind the wheel, perfecting his craft in various speedway classes. This season, however, marks a significant shift in his career as he transitions from a highly successful stint in Mini-sprints to the adrenaline-pumping Midgets class.

The Big Move: A Family Dream Realized

Ben’s move to the Midgets class wasn’t just a spur-of-the-moment decision; it was a family dream in the making. “As a family, we always wanted to go midget racing,” Ben explains. His father, a racer in the 70s, had set the foundation for this passion. When the opportunity to sell his Mini-sprint and purchase a Midget car at a good price arose, the decision was clear. “We thought we’d give it a crack,” he says, reflecting the blend of excitement and determination that defines his racing philosophy.

A New Car, A New Challenge

The car Ben is set to drive this season is a CP3 by Tim Clark, equipped with an RSI Esslinger engine. Acquiring the car was a swift decision; as soon as it became available, Ben put down a deposit, eager to start his new journey. But transitioning from Mini-sprints to Midgets isn’t without its challenges. “There’s a massive difference between the cars,” he notes, pointing out the lack of wings and the increase in power. The need for greater throttle control and adapting to the car’s movement on the track are hurdles he’s ready to tackle.

New Tracks, New Excitement

This season opens new possibilities for Ben, including the chance to race at iconic tracks like Western Springs. “It’s one of the leaders in open-wheel racing in New Zealand,” Ben says, clearly thrilled at the prospect. Returning to Baypark is also something he looks forward to, as it’s been a while since he last raced there. Registering to Baypark Speedway was a strategic decision, influenced by its proximity to home and its connection to BSL Racing, it’s where Ben’s brother-in-law Boyd Westbury also competes.

Facing the Big Names

One of the most exciting prospects for Ben this season is competing in the World Midget Series, where he’ll line up against some of the biggest names in international motorsport. “It’s gonna be pretty cool to race against guys I’ve looked up to,” he says with a mix of humility and anticipation. Racing alongside veterans like Michael Pickens and Brad Mosen, who have been inspirations throughout his career, is a challenge Ben is eager to embrace.

A Legacy Continued

Ben’s journey into racing began early, inspired by his father’s own racing career. “Dad raced for the Baker Brothers, a small team from Rotorua, in the 70s,” Ben recalls. Growing up around racing, especially Mini -sprints, made it almost inevitable that he would follow in his father’s footsteps. Now, with Western Springs possibly seeing its final years, Ben is determined to make his mark, just as his father did.

A Season of Learning and Growth

Although new to the Midget class, Ben is far from alone. He’s fortunate to have the support of seasoned drivers like Calvin and Jayden Worthington from BSL Racing, who are helping him develop his driving style and understand the intricacies of his new car. “It’s pretty cool to be linked with a big team like that,” Ben says, appreciating the guidance offered by those who have been in the sport for years.

Looking Ahead

This season, Ben is set on making the most of his rookie year in the Midget class. His goals are realistic yet ambitious: “Realistically, a win for us would be a top 10,” he says. With the support of his team and sponsors like McDonald’s, Warehouse Auto Parts, Taslo Engineering, Groundcare LTD, and BSL Racing, Ben is confident in his ability to compete.

As the season unfolds, Ben Vaughan is not just racing for wins but for the sheer thrill of competing at the highest levels, following a family legacy, and pushing the boundaries of what he can achieve. Whether it’s mastering the new challenges of Midget racing or simply enjoying the ride, Ben’s journey is one to watch