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Le Mans / ALMS
ALMS: Matos Joins Performance Tech For Sebring
Brazilian IndyCar ace and Risi Competizione pilot lands LMPC ride for ALMS season-opener...
Rafa Matos will make his LMPC debut at the wheel of Performance Tech's Oreca FLM09 for Sebring. (Photo: LAT)
The LMPC category has gained another high-profile driver Tuesday, as Performance Tech Motorsports announced the signing of open-wheel turned sports car star Raphael Matos to pilot its Oreca FLM09 for next month's 60th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
Matos, who appeared to be in line for a drive with Risi Competizione in the American Le Mans Series season-opener prior to the team's withdrawal, will join Anthony Nicolosi and defending IMSA Lites Prototype Lites champion Ricardo Vera in the spec prototype racer.
"I'm extremely excited to be back at Sebring racing for Performance Tech," Matos said. “I drove their LMPC prototype car at West Palm Beach few months ago and was very impressed with the car's performance. I felt very comfortable within only few laps.
"The last few months, I spent driving a Ferrari F458 GT and am looking forward to driving an open cockpit car once again. I’m looking forward to helping Anthony and Ricardo with my feedback, to make sure we tune the car comfortably for all three drivers, which is very important."
Following its debut season under the Performance Tech banner, the Brent O'Neill-led squad has again committed to the full 10-round ALMS schedule and will be looking to make a positive impression with the addition to Matos.
“Our entire crew was with us as we ran the No. 18 LMPC car at every American Le Mans Series event last season, with Nicolosi as one of our key drivers," O'Neill explained. "At the same time, Vera was winning the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites championship, gaining prototype experience on tracks like Sebring.
"Now, as we add the talent and enthusiasm of Raphael Matos, the Performance Tech Motorsports team, fans and sponsors, could not be more confident.”
The Hollywood, Fla.-based team is one of seven cars entered in LMPC for Sebring.
John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at
Matos, who appeared to be in line for a drive with Risi Competizione in the American Le Mans Series season-opener prior to the team's withdrawal, will join Anthony Nicolosi and defending IMSA Lites Prototype Lites champion Ricardo Vera in the spec prototype racer.
"I'm extremely excited to be back at Sebring racing for Performance Tech," Matos said. “I drove their LMPC prototype car at West Palm Beach few months ago and was very impressed with the car's performance. I felt very comfortable within only few laps.
"The last few months, I spent driving a Ferrari F458 GT and am looking forward to driving an open cockpit car once again. I’m looking forward to helping Anthony and Ricardo with my feedback, to make sure we tune the car comfortably for all three drivers, which is very important."
Following its debut season under the Performance Tech banner, the Brent O'Neill-led squad has again committed to the full 10-round ALMS schedule and will be looking to make a positive impression with the addition to Matos.
“Our entire crew was with us as we ran the No. 18 LMPC car at every American Le Mans Series event last season, with Nicolosi as one of our key drivers," O'Neill explained. "At the same time, Vera was winning the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites championship, gaining prototype experience on tracks like Sebring.
"Now, as we add the talent and enthusiasm of Raphael Matos, the Performance Tech Motorsports team, fans and sponsors, could not be more confident.”
The Hollywood, Fla.-based team is one of seven cars entered in LMPC for Sebring.
John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at
ALMS Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
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