Matt Neal - The Interview

The 2001 BTCC season sees legendary 'independent', Matt Neal, do the unthinkable - join a works team. What are the reasons? Why has he decided that now is the right time to make the switch. There are so many questions that need answering. We caught up with the man himself, in an attempt to bring you some of those answers! Some people will already know, but for those who don't, could you give a brief outline of your career history? Raced motorcross in mid 80's, moved into cars partly because of bike injuries and partly because that was where ultimate passion was. 1988 - Ford Fiesta Championship - crashed heaps, finished 2nd in winter series. 1989 - Ford Fiesta Championship - 4th. 1990 - British Group N Championship in BMW M3 won class B and 2nd in championship. Competed in Stanic Group N 7 hour classic in Kilany South Africa in BMW 325. 1991 - British Group N Championship in Nissan Skyline won class A and 2nd in championship. Competed in a few one off races in BTCC privateer BMW M3. 1992 - BTCC in Independent BMW M3 2nd in Independents. 1993 - BTCC in Independent BMW E36 1st in Independents. 1994 - BTCC Works Mazda Xedos Big crash in May forced out with injury. Came back and competed in FIA World Cup in October in Mazda 323 finished 22 out of 55. 1995 - BTCC in Independent Ford Mondeo 1st in Independents. Competed in FIA World Cup again finishing 12th out of 55. 1996 - BTCC in Independent Ford Mondeo. 1997 - BTCC in Independent Nissan Primera + Bathurst 1000km in Works Nissan Primera. 1998 - BTCC in Independent Nissan Primera 2nd in Independents + Bathurst 1000km in Nissan Primera 2nd Overall. Raced Porsche GT1 partnering David Leslie in British GT Grand Prix Round Finished 3rd. 1999 - BTCC in Independent Nissan Primera 1st in Independents + outright BTCC win scooping £250K. Raced Works Nissan Skyline in Nurburgring 24hrs 2000 - BTCC in Independent Nissan Primera 1st in Independents + another outright BTCC win. Raced in Bathurst 1000km in Holden Commadore 12th out of 55. Who influenced you most (in racing/life in general) as you were growing up? My Dad in both cases, he was a works BMC touring car driver in the sixties. A very strong dominant personality. What do you see as your greatest success to date? My big win at Donington in April 1999. What is your favourite circuit in the UK? Donington or Brands GP. And worldwide? Bathurst or Nurburgring (old circuit). What are your targets for this year? To be BTCC Champion! You have been offered works drives before, so what was different this time? The time and the place. I feel I'd come to a crossroads in my career and life, and had to decide which way to go. My Dad always taught me you can never stand still - you are either moving up or down the ladder, it's up to you to decide which way your going. I think we (l say we, because all the team collectively did it) had achieved everything we could as an independent. My next goal is to win the BTCC, the opportunity with Peugeot came up, and with the team and package in place I feel I've got a damn good chance of realising that goal. How do you feel about leaving your Team Dynamics 'roots' ? Very sad. Besides my family involvement, we were all one big family with members of the team I had only been introduced on a professional basis becoming best friends. Plus it was that we had gone through some really tough years together, and so over the last few years when it all came right, it was the fact that we had made it happen together. Even though times were hard sometimes we did all get an incredible buzz from being the underdog, it meant you might not achieve as often as you wanted, but when you did it tasted twice as sweet. You have been called the 'people's champion' in the BTCC - do you think the fans will follow you to Peugeot? Who knows, for sure l think people adhere to the underdog which l'm not gonna be anymore, and sure some people are probably Team Dynamics fans rather than Matt Neal ones. But l do believe people like sportsmen or women who give it 110% no matter what. I have always done that and am gonna continue to do the same at Peugeot, Matt Neal the Maverick is still going to be in full attack mode! What about behind the scenes? Who have you 'taken with you' to VLR? Because Team Dynamics have no program this year and Peugeot were looking for new people, my mechanics and personnel are being contract from Dynamics to Peugeot for this season. Therefore Dynamics doesn't lose its talented infrastructure, Peugeot gain some good guys, and l keep some familiarity and comfort zone round me. Plus my race engineer from the past 3 years David Potter is doing consultancy work for Peugeot this year, so again David knows me and how l drive which is a major plus l think. How do you see your role within the team this year, having one older, and one younger teammate? I think we have to get the ball rolling before everything slots into place. All the drivers have equal status, it's up to each one to perform. I have a basic idea in my head how l see things, afraid you'll just have to wait and see. It's difficult with such a limited amount of testing having taken place, but what do you think of this year's cars, and the new regulations in general? As a driver you always want bigger and faster cars, so to be down graded is always going to initially be met with disappointment. However the cars look fantastic, they will be faster than the original 2 litre cars back in the early nineties, and we didn't hear anyone complaining they were to slow. A lot of thought has gone into the regs, l believe 2001 will be a building year for the championship before it's back in force in 2002, and to hit the ground running in 2002 you've got to be in at ground level. If it had been up to you to decide on the regulations for this year's BTCC, what would we be seeing on the track? Difficult cause so many different factions to please. Probably what we've now got. Give us a few more cars which you'll have as the championship grows, and it will be massive again. If you had to make a prediction for who will be this year's champion, now, then who would it be? Me - I wish, no idea! You had an 'eventful' experience at Bathurst in 2000 - are you disappointed that this year's race clashes with the final TOCA Tour meeting? Desperately, NEMO Racing asked me back for both long distance races this year and they both conflict. I was extremely disappointed; Australia was just fantastic and think Paul Morris with the team he was putting together would have a good crack at overall honours. What are your hopes for the future? Do you see yourself staying in Touring cars, or is there something else you would like to try? Touring cars is always where my heart lies. I love the cut and thrust element of touring car racing, the combat side. However I have never done Le Mans and would dearly love to do that at some point. Finally, is there anything that you would like to add? A message for your fans, perhaps? Stay with me guys - Lets do it together!

That was Matt Neal speaking about his career, past, present and future. We wish him the best of luck throughout the new season, and you can be sure we'll be following his progress closely here at BTCCPages.

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