Congratulations on being picked up for the 2013 racing season, it must make you feel really honored to be a part of this exclusive race program. So what makes you qualified to represent the program this year?
Ben: I was the one that bought the bus.
Do you feel any pressure to live up to the demands all of your sponsors place on you?
Ben: I just hope the race decals don't fall off the bus during the race.
The figure 8 racing circuit presents some unique opportunities for developing a winning race strategy, any insights you can share on how you will come out on top - and not on your side?
Ben: Put the skinny pedal to the floor and turn right, then left, then right, then left, then right, then left.
What do you do after a race to wind down and celebrate with your fans?
Ben: I just hope someone saves me a beer and an extra jello shot.
What does it take to stay at the highest levels of performance in figure 8 school bus racing?
Ben: Paypal donations, fan support and extreme driving skill to take a 12 ton, slightly under powered racing vehicle right up to the lateral adhesion limits and keep it there for 12 laps of racing excitement.
Any parting thoughts you want to leave with all of your race fans?
Ben: Anyone want to give me a ride home after the race?
Finally, I'd like to announce to all of Ben's loyal fans that he will be signing autographs between 6:00 and 6:04 in the race track parking lot before the race this coming Saturday evening. So come out and support your favorite driver and figure 8 school bus racing team - FAsRT!
BODY SPECIFICATIONS
Passenger capacity
- Up to 81
Wheelbase
- 158", 179", 199", 219", 238", 259", 279"
GVWR
- Up to 33,000 lbs.
Engine
- Cummins® ISB 200-260 HP with SCR technology
Transmission
- Four speed automatic
Braking System
- Not so much
Tyres
- 1996 all season steel belted - tread depth below measurable limits
Vehicle Color
- Orignal yellow with black rustoleum spray paint accents
Propane option
- 8.0L V-8 LPG with liquid propane injection system
Hybrid option - Saf-T-Liner C2e
- Cummins® ISB 200 hp with Eaton® hybrid-electric technology
RACE VEHICLE FACTS:
On Dec. 13, 2006, Thomas Built Buses delivered the last FS-65 school bus, which was replaced by Thomas' next-generation conventional bus, the Saf-T-Liner® C2. The FS-65 is a proven performer that will provide reliable service for years to come. Thomas Built and its dealer network will continue to support the FS-65 with parts and service.
The basic body design of the FS-65 dates back to 1972, when it was offered on a variety of chassis brands. Since that time, Thomas has produced nearly a quarter of a million FS-65 conventional bodies. Thomas began offering this bus body on the Freightliner designed FS-65 chassis in 1995, and within five years it had captured more than one-third of the Type C market. A total of 62,764 Freightliner FS-65 chassis were produced.
In 2004, following significant market research, design, testing and fabrication, Thomas Built Buses launched the Saf-T-Liner C2, a new conventional-style bus that redefined the Type C category. The C2 reached a major milestone in January 2007, just 26 months from launch, when the 10,000th unit was produced.
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