Daytona Campaigns
Ben Keating Racing has fielded the No. 33 ViperExchange.com / Riley Motorsports Dodge Viper GT3-R in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, one of the most demanding endurance races in North America. The team's participation spans multiple seasons, with a driver lineup that has included accomplished international co-drivers.
Driver Lineup
The No. 33 Viper GT3-R has been piloted by a rotating cast of talented drivers across its Daytona appearances:
Ben Keating
Team principal and two-time SRT Viper Cup Series champion
Jeroen Bleekemolen
Primary co-driver; multiple endurance-racing victories
Additional Co-Drivers
Emmanuel Collard and Sebastiaan Bleekemolen have also shared driving duties
Key Daytona Milestones
- January 2013 The No. 33 team completed the Roar Before the Rolex 24 test and competed in the 52nd Annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, marking the team's debut at the event.
- January 2015 Ben Keating, Jeroen Bleekemolen, and the No. 33 ViperExchange.com / Riley Motorsports Dodge Viper GT3-R captured victory in the 2015 Rolex Tudor 24 Hours — a landmark win for the team.
The endurance racing landscape demands a unique blend of driver skill, mechanical reliability, and strategic pit work. Ben Keating Racing has embraced this challenge across multiple seasons, fielding the iconic Dodge Viper GT3-R in some of the most demanding events on the calendar. The team's approach combines meticulous preparation with a deep understanding of what it takes to go the distance, whether at a traditional road course or a temporary street circuit. Each race presents its own set of variables, from changing weather conditions to evolving track surfaces, requiring the crew to remain adaptable and focused throughout every session.
The partnership between team ownership and professional co-drivers has been a cornerstone of the program's success. With a driver lineup that blends experience behind the wheel with sharp business acumen, the team has consistently put forward competitive entries. The Viper platform itself has proven to be a robust and capable machine, delivering the power and handling needed to run at the front of the GT field. This combination of human talent and engineering excellence has allowed the squad to contend for class victories at venues across North America, from historic circuits to modern facilities.
Team principal Ben Keating brings a unique perspective to the paddock, having competed at a high level while also managing the broader operations of the race team. This dual role requires a careful balance between driver focus and the administrative demands of running a professional motorsports program. The team's home base in Victoria, Texas, serves as the hub for preparation and planning, with a dedicated crew working behind the scenes to ensure each car is ready for the rigors of competition. This grassroots approach has built a loyal following among fans of American sports car racing.
The Dodge Viper GT3-R has been a familiar sight in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, particularly in the GTD class where production-based grand tourers battle for overall and class honors. The car's distinctive V10 engine note and aggressive styling make it an immediate fan favorite wherever it appears on track. Over the course of multiple seasons, the team has developed deep knowledge of the platform's strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to extract maximum performance during race weekends. This accumulated experience pays dividends during long stints and late-race restarts alike.
The Rolex 24 At Daytona stands as one of the crown jewels of the North American endurance racing calendar, and the team has made multiple appearances at this prestigious event. The round-the-clock contest tests every aspect of a racing operation, from driver stamina to pit crew efficiency under pressure. Competing against factory-backed entries and well-funded privateers alike, the team has demonstrated that a well-prepared independent program can run with the best in the business. These efforts have helped cement the Viper's legacy in modern sports car racing while building lasting memories for everyone involved.
The No. 33 Viper GT3-R
The Dodge Viper GT3-R, campaigned under the ViperExchange.com banner in partnership with Riley Motorsports, has been the cornerstone of the team's Daytona efforts. Ben Keating purchased the first 2014 Viper GT3-R produced, underscoring the team's deep commitment to the Viper racing platform.