Josh Benson Racing


The Formula Ford Festival

News

ICE DRIVING − AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

Ice driving is an awe−inspiring experience like no other, where race drivers develop their skills driving flat out on a frozen lake in the middle of Scandinavia − sideways!

In one of the most stunning environments in the world, Ice driving in Sweden is the ultimate driver training programme. Top drivers including Schumacher and Raikkonen perfect their skills on frozen lakes every year.

The Experience

For 2011 we are able to offer you the opportunity to control the power of the Porsche and experience the exhilaration of Ice Driving for yourself. With 380 − 1100 spikes on each tyre, these Porsches are perfect to help you improve your basic driving skills or sharpen your racing line. Whatever your level or desire, our team of some of the most experienced ice and snow driving instructors will be at your side you ensure you get the most out of your time on the ice.

From arrival to departure you will receive first class hospitality in a purpose designed hotel which also boasts a relaxation area and outdoor Jacuzzi offering you complimentary use throughout your stay. The hotel restaurant offers exceptional dining with views over the valley and a menu offering both Swedish and local specialities such as Moose, Deer and Trout. Conference Rooms and full internet facilities are also available upon request.

In the first instance express your interest and we will be in touch: info@joshbensonracing.co.uk

Oulton Park March 2010

The testing season gets off to a great start at Oulton Park this Wednesday - who will be there?

Josh Benson Charity Kart Event - Autosport Show

Josh Benson Charity Kart Event - Autosport Show
View Full Story

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

2010 is upon us all ready - what will it bring?

British Formula Ford Calender Dates

Today it has been announced the new calender for next years season.  A slight variation on 2009 with the addition of Zandvoort where we will support Formula Masters.  Dates to follow hortly.

PPIK promotional Video is released

I was recently asked to take part in a promotional video for PPIK in Leeds and here is the result. ( I am the one in the white suit)www.ppik.net/video-marketing/index.html

Checkered Flag - Formula Ford News Article

I have just had an aticle published on a great Motorsports site: Check out: http://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/ and have a look.

Press release 04.11.2009

Please view the latest relaese on my Blog

Qualified Driving Instructor

The weekend was spent at The Three Sisters Circuit in Wigan where I qualified as a Race Driver Instructor.

2010 Formula Ford Championship

Last week we officially informed GV Racing that we would like to stay with them for the 2010 season in the MSA British Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain. Full press release to follow very soon.

The Season Has Ended

19 races, 4 wins, 12 podiums, 2 pole positions & 2 fastest laps

FORMULA FORD FESTIVAL IS IN FULL SWING

The Festival fever has started. Many Duractecs, Kents and Zetecs are arriving by the hour. I am posting regularly on my Facebook site so check in for further details.

Castle Combe TV Times

Motors TV UK
Brands Hatch 19/20 Sep rounds
7 October 2220
8 October 1730
10 October 0336Castle Combe 3 Oct rounds
10 October 1905
12 October 1500 & 2148
13 October 1400
14 October 0103
15 October 1833
17 October 0530.

Proud supporters of The Beryl Browne Foundation

We have made an important decision today to support The Beryl Browne Foundation as part of our Championship Campaign for 2010.
The Beryl Browne Foundation is named after a woman who was born and raised in Nevis, West Indies, and who came to the United Kingdom in the late 1950s. In the community she was known as ‘Mother Browne’. People would come from far and near to discuss their issues and concerns with her. She was seen to be nurturing and supportive person, yet demonstrating high moral standards, lots of common sense and a very strong belief system in justice, this compilation of characteristics made her a very out standing character.
The Beryl Browne Foundation supports the development and improvement of life in the Gambia in Africa. The work undertaken there is based on those same old fashioned, well thought through principles and values.

Castle Coombe - Scholarship 1st & 2nd

It rained hard and fast but in the end it was a WIN and a 2nd place scholarship.  A full race report will follow tommorrow.

Brands Hatch TV Times

Motors TV UK
Brands Hatch 19/20 Sep rounds
3 October 1905
5 October 0433 & 1600
6 October 1100
7 October 2220
8 October 1730
10 October 0336
Motors TV International
Brands Hatch 19/20 Sep rounds
3 October 1912
5 October 0120 & 1610
6 October 1120
7 October 2218
8 October 1453
10 October 0356
Channel Four showings To be released

Race Weekend Report - Check out my Blog

New JB Logo Design ready for launch

We have finally had the time to organise my new logo for the forthcoming year.  Details of the designer and the new look is on my Blog.

2 x SCHOLARSHIP WINS - BRANDS GP

What a weekend. Full of fantastic racing. Full race report to follow.

Brands Indy Weekend - Two Scholarship 2nd Places

Interesting weekend for the Team

Qualifying: We had new pads on the car so unfortunately we lost a lot of the session bedding them in. Position 18th. Disappointed but determined to make the best of it.

Race 1: Flying start from 18th to 11th within 2 laps and leading the scholarship by a mile and the water pipe had cracked on the engine so I had to retire.

Race 2: Started 18th again and what a race. Cars flying off the track everywhere and I lost the scholarship win by one car. Overall finish was an impressive 9th.

Race 3: Even more frightening than the last. The overall racing was superb and some of the best racing that weekend. I finishes 0.034 seconds behind the scholarship winner and went over the line side by side. An overall 9th place finish.

What a fantastic weekend. I feel I have matured as a driver this weekend,

VOTE FOR ME - DRIVER DATABASE

Driver Database and Grand Prix Shootout have teamed up to offer drivers AND fans the chance to take part in the exciting competition to find a future Formula 1 World Champion. Fans will choose THREE winning drivers who will be given free entry to Grand Prix Shootout which means a saving of £6,950! The three drivers will compete in the "Round 1" assessment process at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in the UK during October 2009.

Only nine drivers will be invited to compete in the Final. Eight will progress from the Round 1 assessments with one other place going to the winner of this years Formula Ford Festival Duratec final. The winner of Grand Prix Shootout will be given a full season in the 2010 Formula BMW Europe series with Raikkonen Robertson Racing AND get the chance to progress to Formula 1!

PLEASE PLACE YOUR VOTE - I WOULD BE MOST APPRECIATED

http://www.driverdb.com/grandprixshootout/

CLICK ON JOSH BENSON

NEW COMPETITION - MOTORSPORTS GOODIES

I just wanted to announce this weekend that we have a great competition for you to enter. Just click on my blog link on the menu to have a chance at winning some great prizes. Good luck!!!!

MICHAEL VERGERS - TRIUMPHANT RECORD

Take a look at the gallery for further images

Radical Smash Nordschleife Lap Record - Micha

Peterborough sportscar manufacturer Radical Sportscars has smashed the Nürburgring production car lap record, with driver Michael Vergers posting a committed 6m48s lap time. The road-legal SR8LM smashed the previous record, also held by Radical since 2005, by an incredible eight seconds. All this, less than 24 hours after the car was driven from England to Germany for the record.

German motoring magazine Sport Auto oversaw the attempt, with the UK’s evo magazine confirming the time, which will be officially finalised tomorrow (Thursday).

Conditions for the record were perfect, with clear skies and temperatures in the high 20s. Vergers initially battled with the Nordschleife’s fearsome kerbs, jumps and bumps, but soon found the ideal setup, inspiring confidence to push harder.

“The car was great, I could push really hard and it felt clearly faster than the previous SR8 in 2005,” said Vergers. “It’s fantastic that we’ve beaten the record; hopefully I’ll get an opportunity to return with Radical in the future.”

Radical co-founder Mick Hyde said: “I’m obviously delighted, the record has been a real team effort headed up by Phil Abbott and Rob Wheldon. Dunlop have supplied us with brilliant, hard-wearing trackday tyres, indeed we’ve only used one set to both drive to the ‘Ring, and set the record.

“We’ve proved that the SR8LM is not only the world’s best trackday car, but it’s also practical enough to drive to and from the circuit. It is a genuine production sportscar, with genuine performance credentials, as we’ve shown today.”

Radical Assault on Nurburgring Record

The Team Boss, Michael Vergers is today travelling to the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in a Radical SR8 LM to beat his own production car lap record.

His current record is 6m 55s on the 12.925 mile track in Germany. Watch his previous record on You Tube:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzxW51EyoWY

Its a WIN at Silverstone

Friday testing:

Finally improved my braking and believe I have mastered the way forward. This has given me the pace I need to improve my times and it has given me the confidence I needed in stopping the car even quicker. The fastest time we did on new rubber was 25.0 but in the 2nd session we put used tyres on and with the confidence of my braking I was able to take 2/10ths off my lap time.

Saturday & Qualifying:

Me and Jordi took a risk and decided to tow each other around. Unfortunately this did not work to our advantage as we had not put it into practice before and on hindsight, not something I would do again unless it had been well rehersed. I qualified in 8th and on poll for the scholarship.

Race 1 on Saturday

Drove well and felt happy to keep off all the scholarship runners and made up a place. The race was very tough and I had to drive hard all the time. The pace of the grid was incredible and the finish was in site but I presumed that Cammish was in front of me so I parked up in Parc Ferme and Penny Maddocks told me that actually I had won. FANTASTIC!!!!!!!

I ran down the Pits and got on the podium. What a feeling. It was great. I felt I worked hard for that win for myself and the Team.

Race 2:

Reasonable start and didn’t lose or make any places. Got a tap on the 3rd corner which dropped me back a few places but overall I finished 12th and 3rd in the scholarship.

Race 3

Started well on the grid and on the first lap I had made a nice gap and we approached Maggots/Beccketts and Josh Hill made a risky move that would never have been successful. This resulted in me in the air. As I was ‘landing’, I managed to keep my foot down to get out of the gravel but still this sent me to the back of the grid. At this stage I had a bent wishbone on the car but not to give up, I clawed my way back to 12th from 21st.

Although I was severely disappointed with the incident and overall race, I still managed to set the a time which was approx 1/10th off the fastest lap and also set the scholarship fastest lap. Overall 4th in the scholarship pack and lucky to have a car in one piece.

Roll on Brands Hatch

PPIK Corporate Cup Final Tonight

Tonight will see the final of the Corporate Cup Final at PPIK. There will be alot of race drivers in attendance and a few local celebrities.  The event is in support of the following:

The Charities

St George’s Crypt – has been providing care and support to homeless, disadvantaged and vulnerable people from across Yorkshire since 1930. The Yorkshire Cancer Centre – raises funds for St James’s Institute of Oncology, to improve the outcomes of cancer treatment for cancer patients in Yorkshire. Radio Aire’s Cash for Kids – raises money to benefit sick, disabled and underprivileged children in West Yorkshire, providing a better and brighter future for some of the most deserving children in our communities.

Donington Park - 2 x Scholarship 3rd place

Although it was my first race weekend with GV Racing and the first time racing in a Mygale, I still managed to get 2 x 3rd place Scholarship places at the weekend. The first race was aborted due to a broken drive shaft but otherwise a great weekend.  I can’t wait for further tests now so I can get more comfortable with the handling of the car and gradually push each race/test. Watch this space.

The Monster Army is On It’s Way!!

Unleash the beast!! Watch this space for further news

Henry Surtees - 1991 - 2009

Henry Surtees, the 18-year-old son of Formula 1 World Champion John Surtees, has died after an accident in the Formula 2 race at Brands Hatch.

I am so saddened and shocked by this terible news.  All our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this very, very sad time.

Motorsport News -Benson joins Vergers Formula

July 18th 2009 - Motorsport -news.co.uk

Up and coming racer Josh Benson will race for the GV Racing Team for the remainder of the MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britiain.

The 18 year old has left the DW Racing squad that has fielded him this season and will join the race-wining team headed up by Formula Ford guru Michael Vergers.  The driver’s debut with the team will be at Donnington Park this weekend and he tested at with the GV Team at the East Midlands track last week. Chrissy Palmer, who drove for the team in the last rounds of the championship at Snetterton two weeks ago, has left the squad.

"Josh has shown real promise this year." explained Vergers. "In the test he was close to the time of our other driver; Jordi Cunill, and we think he will be a pleasure to work with."

Donnington Times Release

Saturday 18th July 2009

Qualifying :        11.25 - 11.55     30 mins

Race One:         16.40 - 16.58     00:18

Sunday 19th July 2009

Race Two:         09.55 - 10.13      00:18

Race Three       17.00 - 17.18      00:18

GV Racing - My New Team

We wish to make an official annoucement that I have now moved Teams and will be racing with the GV Racing Team until the end of the season. I had my first test with them yesterday at Donnington and it was an unforgettable experience.

Team Decisions

As you are all aware, I have been racing for DW Racing for the last two race meetings. Today the decision has been made to part company. 

We would like to thank Dan and his mechanics for all the hard work and effort that went into both race meetings. We are sure they will go on to great success  but unfortunately they were unable to develop and enchance the skills I had aquired from 2008. We are very grateful for the wonderful opportunity that DW Racing presented us with but we feel that to mamximise my potential, we need to be with a Team who can nurture that and push my skills to the limit and beyond.

Myself and my manager will look forward to reading about all the new adventures that DW Racing will embark on and wish them every success in the future with their Track Day experiences.

Snetterton Race Times

We are one week away from going to Snetterton and have just booked a test session for the Friday.

Qualifying:  11.05 am      Race one:   17.40 pm

Race two:  11.07 on Sunday      Race three:  17.10

Knockhill Results

I have detailed my first race weekend in my blog but my best result over the weekend was 11th place and best of all, only 7/10ths off the pace in my second race.  The weekend was a big learning curve all round and a lot to learn about the new Team and a new car but we eventually finished the weekend feeling that we had progressed.

As my role this year is to develop the Team then my results over the next six races are going to be mixed and we hope this will help the Team prepare for their full first year in 2010.

DW Racing - Development Driver

I am happy to announce today that I have been asked to become a development driver for local Team DW Racing. I thought my chances of racing this year were just a distant memory as like many, we were unfortunate to secure the budget we required to race, so my second year with Don Hardman of Marque Cars was simply quashed which was a real shame as Don had been a great source of inspiration in 2008.

DW Racing are a team based in Wetherby and they have been able to source funding from a local sponsor who wanted a local driver to take them on this new journey. Team boss Dan Woodrow has been working hard in these last few weeks to put everything into place and will be heading up to Knockhill this evening.

My role in the Team will be as a development driver. This will assist them to develop the car and to function as a member of the new Team. I have not had any testing at all this year and my first time out is on the test session at Knockhill. I am looking forward to catching up with Peter Barrable and a few others. Its been far too long.

DW Racing UK Announce Driver News

DW Racing UK are extremley happy to have signed Josh Benson. He will act as a development driver for 2009 to help establish the team in British Formula Ford.

Team manager Dan Woodrow who put the deal together added "Josh was a driver I was hoping to sign a few months back when we attended the sampler day, I thought he would sign for one of the bigger teams with a few more years of Formula Ford experience, however I have put this deal together for Josh which enables him to race this year with us. I know Josh has been struggling with budget all winter so this is a great opportunity for Josh to show us what he can do. I know he was hoping to race with Don Hardman and I’m sure if Don gave him a free drive he would have signed straight away! But we have to look to the future and look to Knockhill at the weekend. I’m sure we will have a good weekend. Sadly Josh hasn’t been able to test the car before we go up but hopefully we can get some testing in before the next few meetings".

DW Racing UK was formed in December 2008 by team manager Dan Woodrow to race in Britsh Formula Ford, they purchased last seasons Scholarship winning car. The team tested a number of drivers over the winter but many drivers didnt have the required budget. In Josh Benson DW Racing have a young and talented driver to drive the team forward. All eyes now move to Knockhill in Josh’s first practice session on Friday the 12th.

Exciting news to follow soon

I hope within the next few days to make an announcement regarding my season this year. I just want to make sure that everything is in place before I make any news features. Busy time off track with a new addition of a Unicycle. More to foolow soon and hopefully lots of interesting pictures.

June News

Its been a long year so far with plenty of activity away from the race track. Over the next few weeks I will have a lot of news to talk about hopefully will be sharing with you some race results - watch this space.

JoshTalk Blog

We are just putting the finishing touches to my new Blog - Joshtalk so I will let you all know as soon as it is ready. It will be a great opportunity to let you know what is happening on and off the race circuit, sponsor information and related news

FORMULA FORD EARNS MSA STATUS FOR ’09

27 February, 2009: The British Formula Ford Championship will go by a new name this season following its elevation to the status of an MSA-endorsed championship. With the backing of the governing body of British motor sport, the Ford-supported series will in future be known as the MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain.

Commenting on the announcement, Ford of Europe motorsport director Mark Deans said: "It is a very great honour indeed that Formula Ford has been granted MSA status, and is a reflection of the championship’s unique position in the single-seater hierarchy. For 41 years Formula Ford has been a vital rung on the ladder of success for the World Champions of the future. Last year, 50 per cent of the Formula 1 grid reached the peak of the sport via Formula Ford and, with the MSA’s backing, it is our aim to ensure that it remains the preferred route to the top."

FACEBOOK ADDITION

We have all been working hard on my Facebook profile and have been astounded by the amount of great people who have joined and contributed. I have had the privilege to communicate with drivers all over the UK and Europe and racing fanatics from all over the world. The power of the Internet !

MOTORSPORT NEWS - VOTED TOP 50 BRITISH DRIVER

Motorsport News 7th January 2008 revealed their Top 50 drivers to make the headlines in 2009

The reason he was on the list: Given the lack of experience that Benson has had, his performance in 2008 showed great promise.

Don Hardman the Team boss is quoted as saying ‘Josh is late on the brakes and he doesn’t lack anything when it comes to bravery. He is a raw talent with bags of pace.’

Autosport Show attended

Another year at the show and it had quite a different feel to it. Chatting to one of the show operators, he advised that they were aproximately 50% down on stands this year and that the aisles had been widened to make the show a little spread out. We were able to wander around quite casually and enjoy the usual delights that the show brings

Bumped into Peter Barrable and had a really good chat with him about the forthcoming year and then the day flowed into seeing drivers and friends. Some new contacts were made and a very enjoyable day was had by all

Lets hope the 2010 show returns to its usual packed format.

Something you didn’t know about Josh

Josh learned how to race around the technical circuit of Cadwell Park by watching a DVD from driver instructor Mark Hales. It worked and Josh came third on his circuit debut in terrential rain and thunder storms.

AUTOSPORT SHOW 2009 - BIRMINGHAM

Thursday 8th - 11th January 2009 NEC Birmingham UK

Another year has gone by already and marked once again by the Autosport show. It was this time last year that I was deciding which way to go with my race career. How quick time goes by.

I shall look forward to meeting friends and making new contacts whilst enjoying everything that the show brings.

See you all there.

BRSCC CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS 2008

A great night was had by all who attended and it was full of laughter, meeting with friends that had been met along the way and new contacts.

I felt very proud to collect two awards and was presented with two fabulous trophies that I can now add to my proud collection.

This has made me even more determined to be at the function next year, representing British Formula Ford and winning more trophies.

NATIONWIDE MEDIA GROUP - MAKE OPPORTUNITIES A

On the 19th - 20th November, we will be attending Business Northwest at the Gmex, all thanks to the Managing Director of Nationwide Media, Scott Hilder

This will present a great opportunity to showcase the multitude of benefits that the involvement with Motorsport brings.

Josh will be in attendance with a typical Duratec race vehicle and will be looking forward to answering any questions relating to Sponsorship or Motorsport in general

Once again a big thank you goes out to Scott and his team at Nationwide Media who have made this possible

BUSINESS NORTHWEST 19 - 20TH NOVEMBER REGISTE

Register now for this fantastic, free to attend event and take advantage of Two full days of networking, education, innovation and face-to-face business

Invaluable networking opportunities Over 175 cross sector businesses situated under one roof

Specific exhibition offers and unmissable deals

Discovering new issues that may effect how you run your business

Learning how to stay ahead of the competition

Exhilarating speed pitching and Angel investing

The largest business networking drinks in the region

Complimentary networking breakfasts with keynote speakers

19th October: Semi’s & The Final. The Formula

It’s the event we had all been waiting for all year. The crowds were piling into the circuit and the grandstand was filing up. We were the first out at 10.00 am. The grid was fierce with a who’s who of seasoned Formula Ford drivers. A slight feeling of nerves crept in as I had been pre-warned that this race was to be tough and the Irish boys like to battle hard.

I knew I had to finish in the Top 14 to gaurantee a slot in the finals so I kept a calm and mature head and finished overall 7th.

I was heavilly pressured by Noel Dunne but I was determined not to let him go but eventually his experience got the better of me. I brought the car back and was very pleased with the result and a car in one piece for the finals.

The ultimate race was looming at 4pm and the tension had been mounting all day. There was 28 vehicles on the grid and infront of me, behind me and to my side were extremley talented drivers with multiple championships under their belts. I felt special to be in their company.

The lights went out and off we went. We all plowed into Paddock Hill without any contact and the race began. Within the first 5 laps there were numerous cars off and the heat just kept on.

I knew what I had to do and tried to keep a consistant speed and was watching ahead as others were making mistakes that lost them momentum and places. At one point I had Peter Barrable in front of me and he had a problem with his car which forced a spin. There was a lot of smoke and I had to drive blind through it but made it in one piece.

I carried on persuing and made up four places during the 25 lap race. The race came to an end and I secured a 9th place place overall in the Formula Ford World Festival. Not only was I the only rookie in the Top ten but also the highest place British driver.

What a fantastic event. I will be going back next year to win in the Duratec.

A week of rest then its off to the Walter Hayes Festival at Silverstone for a weekend of power packed racing with approx 200+ Formula Ford Kent drivers. I am vey excited and can’t wait for the challenge ahead.

18th October: Heat One Brands Hatch

Glorious weather again. Started in 7th on the grid and was really looking forward to what was ahead. When the 5 sec board came out I got ready and put my foot to the floor and went for it.

The front runners were quite a way ahead so I kept the rest of the heat smooth so the car was ready for the Semi-finals.

17th October: Qualifying Brands Hatch

The weather conditions were perfect, almost like a summers day. Pleased with the set-up of the car. I was qualifying with Graham Carrol and Josef Newgarten, part of the USA Scholarship Team.

I came 7th in overall in a world class line up from Denmark, USA, Ireland and Sweden.

Oct 15th - 19th: Formula Ford World Festival

If any one meeting could be described as the BRSCC’s ‘blue riband’ event it is the Formula Ford Festival. Taking place each October at Brands Hatch, the Festival made the Motorsport News top ten of world-wide events that every driver wants to win!

15th October: Testing Brands Hatch

Started off testing in the wet and it gradually got drier as the day went on.

Pleased with the gradual progression in times, with good pace. The car was set up really well and gained invaluable experience.

A Big Thank You

Now that the official season has come to an end, I wanted to say a big thank you to eveyone that has been involved

Don Hardman aka The Team Boss, for being an expert in all matters of Formula Ford and for guiding me in my progression this year. Keith & John for being amazing mechanics and their brilliant story telling. Will and Jose for supporting me as Team mates and of course Mark Hales for all his invaluable help and assistance.

A big thank you to Ian for co-ordinating such a brilliant National Championship and for his wife who always has the kettle on.

The marshalls who I have great respect for as without them, we would not be able to race.

All my friends who have supported my constant talking about each and every race, corner, lap etc and for turning up in all weathers to support me. Arron Gill for taking such fabulous pictures of the season.

Not at all least, a massive thank you to my mum as wthout her I would not have been priveleged enough to have raced this year.

Carphone Warehouse FF 1600 National Champions

The season has now come to an end with two fierce and final races which again seen Josh clock up two Class B podium places.

This has been an amazing first season and a very steep learning curve for Josh in his rookie year of single seater racing. To finish 4th overall out of 56 highly talented and competitive drivers is remarkable and has set him up for the 2009 British Formula Ford Championship.

Midlands South FF Championship 2008: 2nd Class

An impressive Class B second place for Josh Benson!!

North West FF 1600 Championship 2008 2nd Class

Another trophy and another triumph!!!!!

September 2009: Helmet Design Competition is

In September 2008, a new initiative will be launched in Leeds and Bradford to encourage Art & Design Excellence for Year 11 students.

Josh wants to start the 2009 season with a distinctive and unique helmet design and what a better way to combine education and Motorsport.

There will be a variety of incentives on offer including a full access pass for the winner and their family to a British Formula Ford weekend of their choice plus art supplies.

All details relating to this competition wil be announced shortly.

9th/10th Aug: Silverstone Podium & the rain c

"Qualifying",

Josh went out anticipating a good session with a very strong grid. At one point he got an excellent tow off Peter Barrable and pushed so hard he outbreaked himself whilst pushing his limits to the max. He eventually finished 5th on the grid.

"Race One",

A solid start and Josh tried to go on the outside of Graham Carroll but he closed the gap. The weather conditions were horrendous. One clear lap and he overtook Barrable into Brooklands and got on the power too early and spun but kept the Reynard going. Josh dropped back into 20th place but focused and made his way back up to 5th with the fastest lap being taken away from him on the last lap by 0.022 of a second. A Class B 2nd was still awarded and well deserved.

"Race Two",

A tremendous start from 5th to 2nd before the first corner seen Josh come into a 2 way tangle with Gavin Wills. They both ended up watching the race from Copse. Overall a good day but most importantly fantastic lessons to be learnt in the wet and Josh has discovered that driving in those conditions is challenging but actually good fun.

19th/20th July: Anglesey Weekend Double Podiu

Friday practice was hampered due to a split pin on the exhaust but Josh finally got two clear sessions in.

Saturday’s race was interesting as Josh got off to a great start but was clearly suffering with massive oversteer. There didn’t seem much he could do except keep his car on the circuit. A Class B podium resulted. It later transpired that the tyre choice was incorrect but a valuable lesson learnt.

At Sunday’s race Josh made up two places on the start and his car was clearly working for him. A great battle ensued but his ‘92 Reynard was no match for the newer chassis’. Yet another Class B podium and a great weekend had by all.

16th June: How to Drive DVDs prove a great

Before embarking on the technical circuit at the weekend, Josh watched the Cadwell Circuit driver aid DVD which has been expertly produced by Mark Hales who has over 30 years experience as a racing driver.

"The DVD was presented in a clear and understandable manner which has made me feel very confident about my approach to the circuit. I feel I have gained a valuable insight to one of the most technical circuits in the UK."

The DVD proved so successful that Josh secured a 3rd place on the Podium and was rewarded with a new circuit record

"This valuable insight into a circuit I had only seen before on the DVD, gave me the ability to push harder than I thought was capable at this stage in my career. How to Drive DVD’s are an asset to race drivers both new to the industry and established drivers who wish to improve their knowledge and ability."

How to Drive DVD’s are available for Oulton Park, Cadwell, Snetterton and Angelesey. They can be purchased directly through this site

14th/15th June: Cadwell Park. New circuit rec

"Saturdays Race",

For the start of Saturday’s Post-89 race the earlier rain storm had passed, but the track surface was still wet enough to warrant two green flag laps. As the race developed, Benson’s phenomenal pace in a chassis that is many years older than those of most of his rivals, coupled with his easy going personality out of the car, once again impressed many.

Indeed in the closing minutes, the young Marque Cars Racing driver closed right up on Barrable and Grady to make their dice for second position a three way affair. Benson’s efforts were rewarded with the fastest lap award.

"Sundays Race",

Track conditions looked particularly tricky for Sunday’s Post-89 race, with an earlier thunderstorm having soaked the track, but with a dry line now developing on a very greasy surface. 22 cars took to the grid. After a lengthy delay, the race was disturbingly restarted without a green flag lap, over a reduced distance of ten minutes. In the early stages, it was David Grady who grabbed second place behind Carroll, with the hard charging Josh Benson grabbing third from Barrable. However, once again the proceedings would unfortunately be brought to an unexpected early halt with the red flags.

10th May: Oulton Park Triumph

"Qualifying",

Josh Benson would be the only driver to really challenge Bradshaw for pole. For a couple of laps, the two shared exactly the same best time, right down to thousandths of a second with Josh taking a comfortable 2nd place on the grid. The race was fast and fierce and in the closing stages Josh lost second place to Class A driver Grady, but managed to hold off Barrable to take the third step on the podium along with scooping the top Class B finisher award in the process.

Josh impressed many with his pace in the relatively old 1992 Reynard and recorded a strong performance for his age and relative inexperience.

26th/27th April: Brands Hatch Double Win

A dry track with overcast conditions greeted the drivers as they made their way onto the twisting Indy circuit at Brands Hatch. With less than one second between 1st and 7th on the Grid, the racing was energetic and tight. The Grid was impressive and a fast but safe start resulted in a fantastic race with the top 5 Class A cars within sight of Josh. This resulted in a 5th place overall and a 1st in his Class B Reynard.

A few spots of rain in the afternoon did nothing to dampen the spirits of the drivers as the 2nd Grid line-up took place about 5.30pm that day. Again it was fast and furious and Josh had a fantastic race although hotly pursued

from behind. His determination to secure his place resulted in a 4th place overall and another 1st place Class B win.

24th March: Mallory. A brilliant debut Qualif

"In Class B. a brilliant debut qualifying session for Josh Benson in Don Hardman&rsquot;s Marque Cars Racing Reynard FF92 indicated a talent to watch."

Easter Monday came around quick and the weather was dubious. Qualifying took place and Josh finished 5th out of the 22 drivers. There was a long gap until the race and the excitement was mounting. The line-up was daunting for the first FF1600 race of his career. After three clear laps, he started to get pursued by Peter Daly. They had a brilliant two way battle but Peter just couldn’t find a way past. After the race, Peter shook his hand and praised him for a successful race. A 2nd place class B trophy and 6th overall out of the 22 starters was a great start to the season.

2nd March: Tempest Design Support Josh Benson

Bradford based business Tempest Design have pledged their support for local driver Josh Benson who is entering his first year of single seater racing.

Nikita Roper who owns this established Design & Print Company is to provide marketing assistance to Josh for all his marketing requirements. "It is a pleasure to support such local talent. When I was approached by Josh, his personable manner and his desire to win made me certain that I was making the right decision."

Tempest Design can be contacted on 01274 642 858.

Jan 2008: Marque Cars Racing: Carphone Warehouse

Now that a full season with the BRSCC FF 1600 National Kent Championship is in sight, full preparations are ready for what is going to be a fantastic year at circuits such as Brands Hatch & Silverstone. Josh has recently signed with Marque Car Racing Team which has over 30 years experience in Motorsport including Autocross, Sprints, Hill Climbs, Sprint Circuit Racing and full Endurance Racing. They specialise in Formula Ford 1800cc and 1600cc.

Testing begins at Mallory on the 27th February so here’s hoping the weather is going to be good!!!!

October 2007: Silverstone Motorsports Academy

After waiting 12 long months to compete in the Silverstone Academy Ultimate Race due to an earlier age restriction, Josh Benson triumphed with a 1st place win. It was an early start and the temperature had dropped considerably overnight as the previous day’s snowfall threatened to cancel the day’s events.
Qualification took place and a 4th place was gained.

Nervous from starting in 4th but a first place win was in sight. Josh had a fantastic start, straight into 2nd place and after 2 laps took 1st place. Halfway through he got overtaken by Oliver Wiltshire but not to be beaten, he took him back on the next corner. It was certainly a challenge but a brilliant race and the first Silverstone win of many.
© Copyright 2010 Josh Benson Racing | HOMEPAGE | 2011 BFF | SPONSORS | TEAM | SHOP | NEWS | GALLERY | LINKS | CONTACT US