Ben Barnicoat Returns to Racing After Recovery from Injury
Ben Barnicoat marked his return to competitive racing this weekend with Vasser Sullivan Racing in the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3, following a three-month hiatus due to a mountain biking accident. The incident, which occurred near Charlotte just before the Twelve Hours of Sebring, sidelined Barnicoat from four IMSA races and three FIA World Endurance Championship events with Akkodis ASP Team.
Assessing his comeback, Barnicoat expressed gratitude for his team’s support: "It’s fantastic to be back. I’ve gone through some tough times, but I have a fantastic team around me." He acknowledged the impact of his absence, stating, "I’m sorry that I let them down."
Barnicoat detailed the preparation leading up to his accident as he trained for Sebring. "I was on a new trail and had a slight misjudgment," he relayed. Initially dismissing his injuries as minor, he soon realized their severity. Although he chose not to disclose specific details about his injuries, he described his recovery as gradual and focused on regaining strength through simulator work and limited practice in both GT3 and NASCAR vehicles.
Reflecting on his decision to return at Watkins Glen, Barnicoat emphasized the need for caution: "It made sense to come back here, where the drive time’s a bit lower." His first practice session led to a strong performance, finishing second in class.
Since Barnicoat’s absence, the Vasser Sullivan team has shown marked improvement, transitioning from a disappointing start at the Rolex 24 at Daytona to a top-five finish in Detroit. “The final races of my absence were tougher, because you don’t know when you’ll be back," he admitted. “But seeing my team perform strong in Detroit gave me motivation.”
With championship aspirations dwindling, Barnicoat’s immediate goal is straightforward: “The aim now is to win races and end the drought for the No. 14 car since Long Beach in 2024.” He acknowledged the challenges inherent in competing against teams focused on championship points, but remains determined to make the most of his return.
Looking ahead, Barnicoat indicated a mindset shift towards safety in his personal pursuits following the accident. He stated, “I’ve lived my life to the fullest,” but recognized the need for greater caution moving forward. “I never want to miss a race again for the rest of my career.”
As Barnicoat resumes his racing journey, his focus is clear: harnessing his team’s capabilities to secure victories while ensuring his long-term presence in motorsport.
