Matt Neal ?

marcus · 18 Jul 2001, 03:09 (Ref:118626)

Hi all
some of you may know that matt neal ventured out here to Oz last year for bathurst in the V8 supercar series and right royally mad a fool of himself..but putting that aside matt is coming out again to run a round of the series at oran park , possibly the queensland 500 and then bathurst...I hope he makes a better job of it this year ..but my question is ...what is his history ???

I know he has been in the BTCC for at least 4 or 5 years ..but does he have experience in big horsepower cars ????

did he come up through the ranks of karts, formula ford and so on ...I have no idea about the history of this guy..is there a website with a rundown on what he has done in his career ???

Im just interested in finding out more about him before he heads down under.

CHEERS
Marcus

Hobson · 18 Jul 2001, 06:28 (Ref:118667)

As far as his 'high power' experience goes, I remember him racing a Nissan Skyline a couple of times in a GT championship.

Sandra R. · 18 Jul 2001, 11:30 (Ref:118756)

Matt has raced mainly in the BTCC as an independant since 1993 before his ill fated experience with Peugeot at the beginning of this year. I am not sure what his history is on high powered cars, but I am sure that he will give it 110%. Matt is one very nice guy and was very popular in the BTCC and had a huge following. The BTCC is not the same without him. The UK's loss is Australia's gain.

Radisichrox · 18 Jul 2001, 12:11 (Ref:118784)

He actually was an independent in 1992 but lost that year. He drove for Mazda for a few races in 1994 before Mazda pulled out. Does any1 know why?

Sandra R. · 18 Jul 2001, 12:17 (Ref:118787)

Matt had a big accident at Silverstone in the mazda in 1994 - the car barrel rolled 6 times. Matt was out injured for the rest of the season and that car was written off. Not sure if thats why Mazda actually pulled out because David Leslie was driving a second car, but obviously it did not help the final decision. Don't think the car was very competitive anyway.

Bennett Fan · 18 Jul 2001, 12:41 (Ref:118794)

He raced a Nissan Skyline GTR to a class championship in the 1991 British Group N series. And drove a Porsche 911 GT1 at the British Grand Prix supporting GT race in 1998.

marcus · 18 Jul 2001, 15:33 (Ref:118842)

thanks for the info guys..i guess he does have a bit of experience ..and yes im sure he will give it 110% over here..in fact thats what got him into trouble last year..but Im sure he wont do it again ..just wish him well I guess.

WoodyTJ · 18 Jul 2001, 16:08 (Ref:118864)

Matty is FAB!

Minardi fan · 18 Jul 2001, 16:29 (Ref:118872)

That was as enlightening as ever Trace.

Emfa · 18 Jul 2001, 16:36 (Ref:118880)

Quote:

Originally posted by Sandra R.
... The UK's gain is Australia's loss.

I'm not sure those Pom's are being completely honest with you marcus!

Radisichrox · 18 Jul 2001, 19:05 (Ref:118924)

Quote:

Originally posted by Sandra R.
Matt had a big accident at Silverstone in the mazda in 1994 - the car barrel rolled 6 times. Matt was out injured for the rest of the season and that car was written off. Not sure if thats why Mazda actually pulled out because David Leslie was driving a second car, but obviously it did not help the final decision. Don't think the car was very competitive anyway.

I'm not sure but I think they pulled out for financial reasons. The car was (i think) the same thing as the 1993 car, which (for Patrick Watts) was competitive in some races. I didn't know that Matt was hurt in that crash. What did he injure?

Sandra R. · 19 Jul 2001, 12:09 (Ref:119172)

Not sure, I think he just took a general battering and lets face it, there is a lot of him to batter.

Sadly, I was not priviliged to go and inspect personally......

RIKB · 19 Jul 2001, 17:00 (Ref:119264)

Quote:

Posted by Marcus and yes im sure he will give it 110% over here..in fact thats what got him into trouble last year..but Im sure he wont do it again ..

I'm Sure he will!

Guy Goddard · 22 Jul 2001, 07:49 (Ref:120147)

Do you think Matt will return next year in the BTCC???

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