Today we’re Catching Up with Ben Henry, team owner and lead Australian Superbike rider at Cube Racing. Ben’s team has been one of the most impressive privateer setups within the paddock for some time, and he works hard to achieve results both on and off the track.

With only a few weeks left until round three of the series, we checked in with Ben to see how his season is progressing.

Last time we spoke you were planning a move of workshop. Can you fill us in with any further progress?

Yeah we’ve actually just finished up moving everything over to a much larger space. It’s actually located within the warehouse of one of my major sponsors, Australian Outdoor Living, which is great. It’s a really good relationship and a definite advantage to be moving into a bigger area.

Last week yourself and the vast majority of ASBK teams and riders completed that one-day shakedown out at Queensland Raceway. Was this a positive day for you?

To be honest it was okay, but we did have a few engine problems which slowed things down. I ended up only doing about 10 fast laps all day. The times were pretty good considering, but there are a few things still to work on. It was just myself and another crew member to help out for the day.

Ben Henry’s Cube Racing squad is gaining momentum with a solid base in the Australian Superbike Championship. Image: Andrew Gosling/TBG Sport.

You’re registered for next week’s private test at the track across Thursday and Friday. Do you feel this will be a more productive time for you?

Yes definitely. We’ve got a lot of things planned. I’m bringing the guys over for that and we’ll be working hard. I’ve actually just finished putting a new engine in the bike this week so I’m really looking forward to getting out there and testing. Hopefully we can really dial in a good setting and get a solid amount of laps in across the two days.

Have you set yourself and the team any specific goals for Queensland Raceway?

Yes, absolutely I have. I wasn’t happy with the end result at Tassie. We were in the bunch racing for fifth and I felt we were unlucky to come out at the tail end there in eighth. It wasn’t the best result. I really want to be running top five. I feel that’s achievable now. I would love to be the top privateer home, and definitely be the top privateer Suzuki guy. We’re capable of that and I don’t feel like that goal is unrealistic.

Can you fill us in on the progress of Alistair Hoogenboezem to date?

Alistair is going well. He’s a guy that steadily builds speed. He’s not there to go out and set the world on fire from the get-go. He’s a good talent and works hard. Last year at Queensland Raceway was actually my first race with him. He’d been racing in New Zealand under Robbie Bugden’s mechanic ‘Red’ Fenton, and word got through that he was looking to compete here.

Henry has high expectations and hopes to come away as lead privateer at Queensland Raceway. Image: Andrew Gosling/TBG Sport.

For this year we’ve been able to put together a deal for the full Supersport season and I expect that you’ll see continued improvements from him as time goes on. He’s being racing as much as he can back home so I’m looking forward to having him join us for the next round.

From the outside looking in, the Superbike field seems to have one of its strongest talent pools for a few years, at least. Would you agree?

Yeah for sure. I think 2013 is as competitive as it has been for a while. I’ve raced against the majority of guys before with the exception of the rookies – [Glenn] Scott and [Josh] Hook – and it’s good to have such an evenly-balanced group. It makes things closer and for sure would create better racing.

Cube Racing is heading up a cool promotion with the ASBK for fans to win hot laps – can you tell us a bit more about this?

Yeah it’s a great opportunity for the team. We’re hoping to get our sponsors’ names right out there as part of it. We’ll be running a pillion giveaway for each of the remaining rounds as part of a promotion on Facebook. I’m happy to be involved – the closer we can bring the fans to the sport, the better for all.

(CycleOnline viewers, check out the competition here)

Thanks for the chat, Ben.