Another Tight Spot For Touring Ace Matt

Nov 30 2008

0-60 Second Interview

BRITISH Touring Car champ Matt Neal is used to tight squeezes - he once managed to fit nine people into his Fiesta.

Following a debut season with Vauxhall he is gunning for glory next year.

What was your first car?

A Mk1 Fiesta. My record for carrying mates in it was nine. I had two in the boot which flew open on a dual carriageway. I had to leg it back 100 yards to pick my parcel shelf up. It flew out when the hatch came up.

What do you drive now?

For work, a Vauxhall VXR8.

It is great fun so what the hell. I have a BMW X5 for taking the kids to rugby etc.

When did you realise you could be a pro racer?

It is something I'd wanted to do since the age of five.

First major success?

Coming second in the Bathurst 1000km in Australia.

What was it like winning the BTCC championship twice?

First was very emotional.

Second, fantastic but less emotional.

Who is your biggest rival?

Jason Plato. I think he's stepped over the mark at points and I'm sure he draws a similar picture of me.

What are your hopes for next season?

We had a positive test in Spain so I'm looking forward to 2009 with zest.