Back in the summer, a 26-year old postal delivery driver took part in a little competition you may have heard of: GT Academy. This van-driving man – by the name of Matt Simmons – would go on to win the International Region GT Academy competition. In the article linked, we mentioned Simmons was entering the usual post-Academy 3-month training program that Nissan puts each winner through, in preparation for the Dubai 24 Hours race in January. That’s not the case anymore, however.
Unbeknownst to us at the time, Matt won’t be heading to the desert next month. Instead, the Queenslander has impressed his Nissan teachers so thoroughly, they’ve fast-tracked him into further development in preparation for the Blancpain Endurance Series 2016 season. Nissan is coming off a win in the Pro Class in 2015, with Katsumasa Chiyo, Alex Buncombe and Wolfgang Reip (a fellow GT Academy graduate), so this early announcement is a sure vote of confidence in Simmons’ growth and inherent skill.
In the video posted below, Richard Emery, CEO of Nissan Australia, surprises Matt with the good news. Emery calls the promotion a “testament to not only the program itself, but the way [Matt has] gone about it, that this was even a consideration for us and the program”.
“I thought it was just a normal call,” says Simmons, “talking to Richard. It was an opportunity to let him know of everything I’ve been achieving and progressing in the program. And then, it was one massive shock.”
Simmons will now be starting his professional racing career in late April, at historic Monza. Way to go, Matt!
Hat tip to community member @HP for letting us know about Matt’s good news.
See more articles on GT Academy, GT Academy 2015, and Matt Simmons.
Huge congrats to Matt for getting the nod. With my businessman cap on I think this decision may have been influenced by Nissan (Global and Australia’s) finances and marketing strategy as well.
The GTA-Asia winner was dropped from the Dubai driver development program due to a medical condition and Nissan probably figured why bother sending Matt on a one-off race when the cumulative budget of both the International and Asia GT Academies could be used to supplement a full BES season instead. They’d get way more bang for their buck that way + Matt will not be thrown in the deep end in terms of having to perform in a full 24-hour race right from the bat.
A huge congratulations is in order, nice work Matt! To get that vote of confidence, so early in your racing career is hugely impressive!
You truly are an inspiration mate, keep up the good work!
Beats driving a van…for sure…..good luck Matt…..