Even though Ben Rhodes won’t be behind of the wheel of his #9 Marcos Ambrose Motorsport Ford Fusion for his first race of 2012 until March, the Kentucky racer has spent his off-season getting prepared for the year by testing on and off the track. From testing his Ford Fusion at various race tracks throughout the south to simulator racing and even indoor Karting, Rhodes has been preparing physically and mentally for the upcoming year.

On track, Rhodes and the Marcos Ambrose Motorsport team have traveled to Newport Speedway (TN), Kingsport Speedway (TN), Dillon Motor Speedway (SC), Greenville-Pickens Speedway (SC) and Anderson Motor Speedway (SC) to shake the car down and get more laps under his belt.

“All of our tests so far have been very successful,” said Rhodes. “I have been logging a lot of mental notes on each track and how to drive my Ford Fusion around each one. I have been soaking in Jamie Yelton and Lee McCall’s extensive knowledge of Late Model racing and these tracks, and we have been really fast at each location.”

Besides the on-track testing, Rhodes has also logged many hours on his SimCraft simulator on iRacing.

“The simulator really helps keep my on-track mental skills focused when I am home,” explained Rhodes. “The advancement in technology is amazing. Before I have traveled to the tracks for testing, I have tried them out on iRacing. It has allowed me to know what to expect before strapping into my car.”

Honing skills on and off the track for his Late Model Stock isn’t the only thing Rhodes is doing to prepare for his 2012 season. Alongside having a personal trainer, Rhodes has weekly visited Bluegrass Indoor Karting in his home town of Louisville.

“We have so much fun at Bluegrass Indoor Karting. It also helps keep me sharp in a racing atmosphere while allowing me to get on track with my family and race against them.”

Rhodes will continue to test his #9 Marcos Ambrose Motorsport Ford Fusion during the next few months prior to the season-opener of the UARA-Stars Late Model Stock Series, which takes place Saturday, March 17th, at Hickory Motor Speedway (NC).