Becoming a professional racing driver requires a lot more than driving talent and winning performances alone. While the nature of training, competing, media attention, etc. aren’t too dissimilar from other sports, the business model behind motorsport is very different. Winning in a national sports division could mean college scholarships for the next step, while in motorsport it likely means raising 50-300k+ in capital to move into that next category. You wouldn’t expect a talented baseball star’s career to rely on an exceptional business and networking ability, yet this reality exists for young drivers.

Even if you are unfamiliar with the sport of racing, “sponsorship” is a word that likely comes to mind. It’s easy to picture a driver emblazoned with corporate logos on his safety gear and race car as part of a company’s marketing campaign. However this type of sponsorship isn’t common, especially in open wheel and sports car racing. While many sponsorships have now shifted to B2B (business to business) partnerships, these are still difficult to find. A majority of rising talent rely on significant personal funds or private contributors to continue into professional ranks, where those talented few can shine in the spotlight and be chosen by larger automotive firms to become true paid professionals. While career advancement scholarships do exist in motorsport, they have become somewhat few and far between. Most require a level of pro experience to even be considered.

Whatever your reason, contributing to keep a racer like Matt in motion can offer many far-reaching returns.

For Matt, becoming a professional driver has always been his core focus. From starting in karts at age 5 with notable results, it quickly became more than a sport. Transitioning to race cars at 13, it became his mission and lifelong passion. The odds have frequently been stacked against him, knowing he wouldn’t have the personal funding to make it into higher categories alone. With looming dreams of building a career in Europe, Matt turned his challenge into motivation to perform. This helped him reach amateur racing heights of Teen Mazda Challenge West runner-up, NASA Nationals podium finisher in Spec Miata, and a Mazda ‘Road to 24’ Shootout invitee. Dipping his toe into semi-pro waters, he became a double Spec MX-5 Challenge race winner and most recently became a 25 Hours of Thunderhill class winner.

In 2020, the objective of competing in Europe was accomplished. The next objective is to make the move permeant. As one of very few American drivers pursuing a career in Europe, Matt hopes his performances and humble approach will further his notoriety in the region where sports car and touring car racing prospects are strongest.

Two regional club racing championships and one national championship in 2022 continue to prove Matt’s career potential.

There are various reasons to become a supporter of an establishing driver like Matt, whether you’re a company or private individual. Becoming an integral part of a racer’s journey is unlike anything else. The atmosphere of a racing circuit, the picturesque locations and stunning machinery, the diverse clientele.

What value might a young professional driver add to your life or career? Using their unique sporting pursuit in your promotion, an impressive ability to speak and connect with your company’s customers, an intriguing venue for your next event? Or perhaps its a connection and admiration on a more personal level.

To learn how to donate, become a backer, or sponsor my career, please send an email to mattmillionracing@gmail.com or use the form with details about your intended offer.

Thank you.