Indianapolis, Ind. (3 March 2020) – With on-track success helping to fuel the growth of its program in North American motorsport, Hyundai recently demonstrated its commitment to the program by hosting the inaugural Hyundai Driver’s Camp presented by Bryan Herta Autosport.
The four-day long camp brought 12 Hyundai racers from around the country to Indianapolis to test physical fitness abilities, teach necessary skills from data recognition to media training, and strengthen team bonds.
Stoner Car Care Racing driver, Ben Waddell, took part in the four-day camp alongside his Forty7 Motorsports teammates AJ Muss and Wyatt Schwab. After a whirlwind few days, Waddell took some time to go into detail about what it was like learning and working with the automotive giant.
The last few days were truly an incredible experience that Hyundai and Bryan Herta Autosport put on for us. The first day started at PitFit Training, which is an Indianapolis-based gym that is dedicated to the fitness needs of race car drivers. We all had our baseline fitness abilities tested to create a program dedicated to our specific needs. Over the three days of training, I don’t think I have ever been that sore! The fitness program targets muscle groups that drivers use in the car but not everyday life. Learning these workouts allowed me to take those programs moving forward and to better prepare myself for when I am inside the car.
Following our morning workout, we headed to the Bryan Herta Autosport shop where we were given a tour of the facility before a media presentation by local sports reporter, Dave Furst. He gave us tips on how to make each interview we do, a good interview.
Next, was a team bonding exercise at an escape room. Those 60-minutes of working together strengthened our relationships by forcing us to figure out the best way to communicate with each other. That experience will be able to help us during race weekends because it teaches us how to open the channels of communication that we need in order to help us put our Hyundai cars on top.
The next couple of days operated similarly. Following our training sessions at PitFit, we had presentations from multiple people. One that stood out to me was Ross Rosenburg, Assistant Manager, Experiential Marketing for Hyundai in the U.S. He gave us insight on Hyundai’s mission in racing and the future of its involvement in the sport. Listening to him only strengthened my level of commitment to continuing to be a part of Hyundais very promising future growth in racing.
As the camp came to an end, we participated in more team activities including (naturally…) a go kart race and playing broomball during halftime at the Indy Fuel hockey game.
As I reflect on the camp, it is truly amazing what Hyundai is doing and there is so much excitement around the brand. A big thank you to Bryan Herta Autosport, Hyundai USA, Katie Brannan and everyone involved in the camp for making it a wonderful experience and for allowing us to have these opportunities. I love being a part of this manufacturer and hope to contribute to Hyundai’s growing record of success.
Ben Waddell will return to the wheel of his No. 74 Stoner Car Care Racing Hyundai Veloster N TCR at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course May 2nd for the Acura Sports Car Challenge.