Meet Matthew –

Matthew is senior at Virginia Tech, studying engineering with a concentration in mining and minerals. With family roots in West Virginia, Matthew’s interest in mining center around solving the problems our country faces with energy and building materials. (Be sure to check out his top ten list of the Myths of Mining!)

In addition to his studies, Matthew is involved in a variety of community service work around his home in Ft. Myers, Florida including Candle Lighters (Kids with Cancer), the local community food bank, roadside and hurricane clean-up efforts, the Ronald McDonald House, and the local nature center, His extracurricular activity include membership in the International Society of Explosives Engineers, Burkhart Mining Society and the President of the National Sand Stone and Gravel Association (NSSGA)
– Virginia Tech Chapter.

Racing Fast Facts:

2009

U.S. Pro F2000 Championship Series
- Finished 2nd in Point Championship
- Recorded 2 wins, 4 fastest laps, and 1 pole in 12 races
- Finished on the podium 8 times;

- Current Track Records:
- Formula E- Daytona, Carolina Motorsports Park, Moroso,
Sebring (long and short courses), and Pocono Raceway
- F2000 Championship Series- Watkins Glen

2008

- U.S. Pro F2000 Championship Series
- 10 races, 7 top 7 finishes
- 5th in points on limited race schedule

- Formula E-SCCA National Events
- 7 races, 3 wins, 1 second, and 3 DNF’s related to Transmission problems-design flaw

-Spec Racer Ford-SCCA National Events
- 6 races, 5 Seconds, 1fourth

2007

- Pro Formula Mazda-completed a successful race event test at Sebring
and multi-day test session at Putnam Raceway in Indiana

- Southeast Division Champion in Formula E in first year of Formula E being a National Class
- Finished 2nd in the National Championship Race at Road Atlanta (Formula E)

2006

- Began competing in formula car-SCCA Formula E
- Won Central Florida Region SCCA Championship in SRF and Formula E
- Captured the Southeast Division SCCA SARRC title in SRF
- Finished runner-up in the Southeast Division SCCA SARRC championship in Formula E,
having only competed in six races in 2006
- Voted Rookie of the Year by fellow Southeast Division SCCA competitors in Formula E
- Voted Driver of the Year in SRF by fellow competitors

2005

- Issued SCCA National Competition License directly from SCCA Novice Permit
- First year racing, driving Spec Racer Ford (SRF) with SCCA
- Led first race ever entered
- Consistent winner by sixth race
- Voted Rookie of the Year by fellow Southeast Division SCCA competitors

2001 - 2004

- Began racing go-karts at the age of 13
- Competed in Endurance races-8 hour endurance racing
- Won a National Title in Endurance Karting-2004
- Also tested numerous types of karts (Rotax, Shifter, etc.)

Quotes:

“It was our extreme pleasure to work with Matthew. His positive and upbeat attitude carried over to the crew and all those that were there with him at the races with a positive frame of mind. We have no doubt that his attempts at faster and more advanced types of competition cars will be a challenge that he will handle well.”
 - Mick Robinson, Robinson Motor Sports, Inc.

“Matthew learns new tracks and new car setups very quickly. I was amazed this year at Mosport when he was a front runner after only a couple laps—and he had never seen the track before!!!!. That talent is something special. His ability to work with the engineers is notable, he knows how to communicate what is needed and to provide the feedback that the engineers want and need. He has a bright future ahead of him and I look forward to seeing him compete at the next level.”
- Rob St. Clair, St. Clair Motorsports