Ben Keating: Balancing Business and Racing at the Lone Star Le Mans

Victoria, Texas — Ben Keating, a prominent figure in both the automotive industry and motorsports, exemplifies the duality of a successful businessman and a dedicated racecar driver. This past month, as Keating prepared for the Lone Star Le Mans, he reflected on his unbeaten path from a novice dealer to a decorated driver in sportscar racing.

Rise in the Automotive Sector

Keating’s journey began in the family business. Raised in Tomball, Texas, he initially distanced himself from the automotive industry by pursuing an engineering degree at Texas A&M. However, after his father’s unexpected death and a tumultuous tenure at Tomball Ford, he ventured into car sales. With his $500 savings, he acquired a struggling Ford dealership in Port Lavaca, which served as the foundation for the now-34 dealership strong Keating Auto Group.

“I knew I could run circles around my competitors, who were treating customers poorly,” Keating stated, highlighting his early observations in the industry. This customer-centric approach distinguished his business, allowing him to offer cars significantly cheaper than competitors.

Successful Transition to Motorsport

In parallel to his automotive success, Keating’s passion for racing ignited in 2005 after a track day gift from his wife. Within months, he transitioned from a novice to a competitive driver, achieving considerable success in several racing circuits, including IMSA and the World Endurance Championship.

Reflecting on his first racing experiences, he noted, “Early on, I had no idea what I was doing; ignorance was bliss.” Yet, his commitment to improvement led him to win multiple championships, including Endeavor titles at prestigious events like Le Mans and Daytona.

Preparing for the Lone Star Le Mans

Ahead of the Lone Star Le Mans, Keating demonstrated his relentless focus on both racing and business. In a recent team meeting, he recognized Keating Chevrolet’s rise to third in Houston sales, expressing optimism for future growth within the dealership network.

“It’s a large step to two, and eventually one,” he said, conveying his ambition for continual improvement.

Current Racing Season Challenges

As Keating and his team approach the penultimate race at Fuji, they are focused on closing the gap in the championship standings, currently sitting 29 points behind the leaders. Keating emphasized, “The best way to win a championship is to finish third or fourth in every race,” indicating a calculated strategy for consistent performance.

He concluded, “There are still chances to make up ground. I just hope we have a good run in the final race.”

Keating’s story serves as a testament to resilience, ambition, and a passion for both business and racing—attributes that continue to define his dual career.