As the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona kicks off, the spotlight shines brightly on the star-studded lineup of the No. 91 Trackhouse TF Sport Chevrolet Corvette. With NASCAR standout Shane van Gisbergen, teenage sensation Connor Zilisch, Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin, and veteran endurance driver Ben Keating sharing the duties, the team has all the ingredients for success. But one peculiar detail has stirred the online racing community: where is Ben Keating in all the pre-race selfies?
Connor Zilisch’s cheeky post sparks debate
Connor Zilisch, last year’s LMP2 class winner, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a selfie with teammates van Gisbergen and McLaughlin, humorously noting Keating’s absence:
“Ready for 2 laps around the clock with these guys. Let’s do it boys! @smclaughlin93 @shanevg97 @keatingcarguy (too busy for us😜)”
The lighthearted jab caught the attention of NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, who added fuel to the banter. In a playful response, Wallace wrote, “Yalls 4th driver just sitting off to the side in every post like… no love. #teamben,” accompanied by a John Travolta GIF that perfectly captured Keating’s apparent neglect.
Ben Keating: The steady hand behind the wheel
While his absence from social media antics has sparked humor, Keating’s significance to the team cannot be understated. A 2015 Rolex 24 winner and seasoned endurance racer, Keating is not only a cornerstone of the No. 91 lineup but is also pulling double duty by competing in the LMP2 class this weekend.
Reflecting on his new team, Keating expressed excitement about joining forces with van Gisbergen, Zilisch, and McLaughlin. “I’ve never been in the same car with any of those guys. I’ve raced against them all and have a ton of respect,” Keating said. He also praised Zilisch, calling him “a rock star” for his performances in LMP2 and various racing disciplines.
The perfect balance of talent and camaraderie
The dynamic among the drivers appears as strong off the track as on it. From stolen phones leading to banter-filled selfies to mutual respect for each other’s abilities, the No. 91 team embodies the perfect mix of professionalism and fun. Keating himself acknowledged this: “It’s really exciting for me. This group makes it fun, and that’s what makes these events special.”
With van Gisbergen bringing NASCAR flair, Zilisch showcasing his adaptability across disciplines, and McLaughlin’s Supercars expertise, Keating’s experience provides the glue to hold it all together. Despite his understated presence in social media posts, his contributions to the team’s strategy and success are undeniable.
Is Keating the unsung hero?
Keating’s double duty, racing in both the GTD Pro and LMP2 classes, highlights his versatility and endurance as a driver. While Zilisch and the younger stars may steal the social media spotlight, Keating’s calm, consistent approach is likely to be pivotal as the race unfolds.
As Bubba Wallace playfully pointed out, Keating may not be the face of the selfies, but he could very well be the face of the No. 91’s success by the end of the Rolex 24.
