MATTY MISSES OUT ON MCLAREN AUTOSPORT BRDC AWARD FINALIST PLACE

The efforts of Matty and his supporters went unrewarded last week, after he missed out a place in the finals of this year’s Mclaren Autosport BRDC Award.

A concerted campaign saw Matty drum up support from his supporters, partners and even the Newcastle United football team and Newcastle Falcons rugby team, in the hope of bringing him to the attention of the judging panel and earning a chance to take part in the prestigious shoot-out.

However the efforts were in vain as the competition, that includes a £100,000 contribution towards the winner’s 2015 racing programme, will be contested by Racing Steps Foundation supported driver Ben Barnicoat, Caterham F1 supported driver Seb Morris, Lotus F1 Team supported driver Alexander Albon, BRDC Formula 4 duo Sennan Fielding and George Russell and British Formula Ford driver Harrison Scott.

Matty said: “It’s disappointing not to make the short list for the award but it was always going to be a big ask to get nominated when the results haven’t been what I was looking for this year.”

“I hoped that the results compared to my team mates would give me a chance, but sadly not so instead, I’d like to thank everyone who nominated me and wish those that are taking part all the best for the test.”

“It is a prestigious prize that can help young drivers get on in their careers, particularly if like me they don’t have a network of sponsors or backers to fall back on and I hope that whoever wins maximises the opportunity.”

While disappointed to miss out on a nomination for a second year in succession, Matty is now focusing all his efforts on securing much needed sponsors as he chases a drive in the Formula 1 supporting GP3 series in 2015.

“I’ve got a lot of work to do to make 2015 happen so the winter is going to be spent on securing partnerships that will allow me to put together a programme in GP3 and really get myself noticed.”