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Matt Neal is one of the most experienced drivers on the 2008 BTCC grid, having had his inaugural season in the series back in 1993 with Team Dynamics, run by his father.
As an independent entry in the BTCC at the beginning of his career, Matt often upset the established manufacturer teams by beating them. In 1999 at Donington Park he scooped a £250,000 prize by becoming the first independent driver in the modern era to win a race.
In 2002 Matt had his first stint driving in a Triple Eight prepared Vauxhall for the Egg Team, finishing third in the championship. He then returned to his family team in 2004, winning the BTCC Championship in both 2005 and 2006.
Matt returned to Triple Eight for the 2008 season partnering the reigning BTCC champion Fabrizio Giovanardi and young gun Tom Onslow-Cole in an all conquering year that saw the team clinch all three titles.
The 2009 season will be Matt's second in the Vauxhall Vectra and after a solid 2008 that saw him take one victory at Rockingham and fifth overall in the championship, he will be hoping to build on this success in 2009.
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Matt was BTCC champion in 2005 & 2006 |
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Date of Birth:
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Nationality:
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20 December, 1966
Droitwich, Worcestershire
British
201cm, 6'6"
95 kilos
Mountain Biking and Wine
Married, two sons
Sunday Roast
Vauxhall VXR8
Ferrari 599 |
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Q&A
What is your earliest racing/motorsport memory?
Ploughing through a hedge on my first kart at the age of six and being mortified.
What's the best thing about being a racing driver?
Being paid to thrash around in beautiful cars for a living.
Favourite BTCC meeting and why?
Brands Hatch, I like the circuit and the stadium layout gives a great atmosphere.
Your favourite film?
Black Hawk Down
Your favourite food?
Something pretty unhealthy no doubt, I’m not a pasta freak.
Your favourite quote or saying?
A calm sea does not make a skilled sailor.
Do you have any race day superstitions?
Millions – I am annoyingly superstitious.
Your dream vehicle?
You could twist my arm into a 599 Ferrari.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement in motorsport & outside of?
In motorsport, becoming BTCC Champion Twice is pretty cool. Outside, my two Sons!
Who was your childhood hero?
Nigel Mansell, really it was!
Career History
2008 |
BTCC – VXRacing - 5th Overall – 1 win and seven podiums |
2007 |
BTCC - Team Halfords- 4th overall - 1 win and 8 podiums |
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2006 |
BTCC - Team Halfords- Champion - 8 wins |
2005 |
BTCC - Team Halfords- Champion - 6 wins |
2004 |
BTCC - Team Halfords- 5th overall - 3 wins |
2003 |
BTCC - Honda Racing - 3rd overall - 5 wins |
2002 |
BTCC - Egg:Sport - 3rd overall - 3 wins |
2001 |
BTCC - Peageot - 2 races
ETCC - Team Dynamics - 1 win
V8 Supercars - Holden - Selected races |
2000 |
BTCC - Team Dynamics - 8th overall - 1 win
Bathurst 1000km - 12th overall |
1999 |
BTCC - Team Dynamics - 9th overall - 1 win |
1998 |
BTCC - Team Dynamics - 13th overall
Bathurst 1000km - 2nd overall |
1997 |
BTCC - Team Dynamics |
1996 |
BTCC - Team Dynamics - 22nd overall |
1995 |
BTCC - Team Dynamics - 21st overall - Independants Champion
FIA World Touring Car Cup - 11th overall (top independent) |
1994 |
BTCC - Mazda Xedos - 23rd overall
FIA World Touring Car Cup |
1993 |
BTCC - Team Dynamics - 20th Overall - Independents champion |
1992 |
BTCC - BMW M3 - 16th overall |
1991 |
BTCC - BMW M3 - 26th overall - selected races
British Group N Champion - Nissan Skyline Class A |
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1990 |
British Group N Champion - BMW M3 Class B |
1989 |
Ford Fiesta XR2i Championship - 4th overall |
1988 |
Ford Fiesta Winter Series - 2nd overall |
1985 - 1987 |
Motocross |
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