| Winning the coveted scholarship ensures Matt will get an assisted drive in the coming season' s Suzuki Swift Sport Cup Championship, boosting his profile and taking him one step closer to fulfilling his dream to become a world touring car driver.
The personable young Cullinane College student has already shown his prowess in karting, Formula First and Formula Ford, and was very impressive during trials to determine this year’s scholarship winner – his flying lap of the Manfeild circuit was even quicker than the instructor’s!
“Matt is very focused on winning and has already shown he is prepared to go the extra mile to achieve his ambition of winning the championship,” said series coordinator Paul Burborough.
In the judge’s opinion, Matt’s extraordinary focus on being a winner is as important as his exceptional skill as a driver. As a stand-alone, One Make Motor Racing Championship, the Suzuki Swift Sport Cup is now one of the most competitive events on the New Zealand motorsport calendar.
Matt’s karting career began when he was 12, winning the First Club Championships in Manawatu before moving to Formula First at just 16. Success in this field led to several podium finishes, a class lap record at Pukekohe, and pole position at every circuit, finishing fourth in overall in the national championship last season.
Known as Matty to his mates, the Wanganui teenager is fully committed to 2009/2010 Suzuki Swift Sport Cup Series.
“Winning the scholarship is a great step forward for the Gibson team,” says Matty. “This is the break I have been aiming for and I am excited about working with Suzuki and their motorsport team in the coming season.”
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