Honouring Matt Neilson’s legacy

“WE just want to honour what he’s done for us.” It is the simple reason the Borderline Speedway hierarchy have instigated this weekend’s Matthew Neilson Memorial Race.

On Saturday night, that street stock race will be the highlight of a jam packed program, with Matthew’s family on hand to be part of the tribute.

The race has been locked in for at least three years.

Matthew had a medical episode on August 10 last year while doing what one of the things he loved most – watching his kids play sport at East Gambier – and despite the best efforts of paramedics they were unable to revive him.

Alicia and three children Keelie, Nash and Izzy will be part of the Borderline’s honouring of Matthew’s legacy.

His association with the Borderline can actually be traced back to his youth as a BMX rider and Borderline president Cary Jennings remembers every aspect of Matthew’s career at the Glenburnie track and beyond.

“There was a real crossover with those of us that were involved in BMX and the speedway and Matt became mates with those guys that were also out at the speedway and he just decided to get involved,” Cary said.

It was the humble beginnings of what became a highly respected street stock career with Matthew’s consistency and consistency at a high level, that was the hallmark of his career.

He started racing in the 1995/96 season.

“It was a huge learning curve for him but he got better pretty quickly,” Cary said.

So quickly, that in the 1997/98 season, when the Borderline hosted the Street Stock Nationals, Matthew finished second behind another local legend Dave Gartner.

Matthew, in fact, came through the system when there was a strong cohort of street stock drivers, and it was in 2001/02 that that contingent headed to the nationals in Alice Springs, where Matthew drove his way to the top of the podium.

And his consistency is shown in that the following season, when Borderline Speedway again played host to the Australia titles, Matthew was again on the podium – finishing third behind some of those quality locals – Steve Lines and Jamie Jennings.

“He competed for many, many years, travelling throughout Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory and he won many features,” Cary said.

“We just think putting a race together to remember Matthew was fitting for all his efforts.”

Finding sponsorship for the event was arguably the easiest sell the Borderline officials have ever had.

He has such an impact on the community, his work at Barry Maney where he had been since starting his apprenticeship, his involvement with football – he was just so well loved,” Cary said.

The Barry Maney Group, Merrett Logging, GT Bobcat, Tatiara Trucks and JMT Glass all jumped at the chance to support the race set to honour Matthew’s legacy.

At this stage it looks like around 24 drivers will take to the track in the inaugural Matthew Neilson Memorial Race, with the Saturday night program attracting 70 drivers overall across the three classes set down to race.

The April 5 program also features the concluding rounds and final of the National Titles for Modlites, with junior sedans the other main class.

Matthew had recently celebrated his 30 years of service at the Barry Maney Group.

He started at BMG on August 4, 1993, as a fresh faced 15-year-old, working after school doing stock orders.

After initially completing an automotive apprenticeship in car service Matthew transferred into the parts department in 2004 working on the car parts counter.

Matthew’s interest in the truck parts business saw him acquire a high skill level in this specialized facet of the business.

After initially taking on the role of Truck Parts Assistant Manager, Matthew’s outstanding leadership ultimately saw him promoted to Truck Parts Manager and then to Parts Operations Manager, a position he continues to hold to this day.

Matt was an outstanding leader to the Mount Gambier car and truck parts team, Warrnambool TRP branch and Wimmera Truck Centre in Horsham.

A dedicated professional who was appreciated by all those around him, Matt’s cheerful personality and willingness to always help others set a fantastic example for others to follow.

Such was his impact at the Barry Maney Group, that around 100 colleagues are committed to attending this inaugural race.

Saturday night at the Borderline Speedway sees gates open at 4pm and racing from 5pm.