INTERVIEW WITH BENJAMIN CHIANG

An interview with Master Category Class B Championship leader, Benjamin Chiang.

Race Team: AutoInc Racing Age: 43 years old Current drive: Lotus Exige S260

Ben’s passion for karting began after his first time participating in a race. Yes, you read that right – this guy raced even before he started fun karting! It was the Supercar Club Race at the Marina Bay Karting Challenge in 2012 that got Ben hooked on the spot. The Singaporean was representing sports car brand, Lotus, in the supporting race alongside Ferrari, Lamborghini and BMW M Power. The luxury car owners raced Yamaha KT100, 14 horsepower karts. Right after, Ben bought a kart and the fun hasn’t stopped since.

Q: You are the leader on the board, how are you going to defend your position? A: There are some really good drivers in the Master Category. My goal is to chase the Class A drivers and continue to put points on the board. Someone once told me that you can’t win if you don’t finish, so it’s important to keep pushing till you see the chequered flag.

Q: What is your practice regime? And how does it help you during races? A: Albert Einstein said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. However, there is no substitute for putting in the hours and laps. But it’s not simply doing the same thing lap after lap, but making small adjustments one corner at a time.

Q: Round 3 & 4 are going to be clockwise, which is different from Round 1 & 2. How do you feel about that? A: I’m comfortable going around the track in either direction, so I’m neutral.

Q: Do you prefer to totally dominate or have a bit of fun? Why? A: I signed up for the X30 Challenge for a bit of fun. The fun bit happens on the track. The rest of it, the podiums and results, are a nice bonus.

Q: Which driver (karting, Formula cars etc) is your biggest influence on the track? How so? A: I would say Mario Andretti. He came up with the quote, “If everything seems under control, you’re not going fast enough.” It’s a constant reminder to push myself to go a little faster and for that extra tenth each lap. Coincidentally it’s the slogan/quote for the X30 Challenge as well.

Q: What advice do you have for the late bloomers (40years old and above) in karting? A: It may be too late for a career in Formula 1, but it’s never too late to enjoy karting! Late bloomers need all the help that we can get, so check your ego at home and get tips from all the good drivers out there, even though some may be a quarter our age!