The creation of the new endurance class and the convergence between the LMH and LMDh prototypes is allowing a series of pilots to live for the first time the experience of developing a prototype from scratch. Although a large part of the manufacturers that will compete with these vehicles in the WEC, in IMSA or in both championships have resorted to pilots with great experience who have already been the protagonist of similar processes, there are cases like Matt McMurry’s in which everything is ‘ new’, but also surprising and very special.
Matt McMurry is a pilot of reputed experience despite being only 24 years old. His sporting achievements endorse him after winning the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship twice, in 2019 in the LMP2 category and in 2020 in the GT Daytona class. In addition, for years he was the youngest driver to make his debut in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the queen event of the WEC. A landmark that he had in his power for several seasons until Josh Pierson took it from him. However, away from the circuits he has also developed an interesting career.
In fact, Matt McMurry has become a vehicle dynamics engineer at Honda Performance Development (HDP) after completing his studies, which has earned him to be one of the reference names of the Acura LMDh project. In the end, McMurry can bring his technical knowledge to the design of the Acura ARX-06 LMDh, but also his feelings as a driver. Matt thus has an integral role in the development of Acura’s LMDh, which is surprising as it is not very common in modern motorsport.
“It really has been a dream come true to be able to help design a racing prototype of this level. And driving it is up to the same standard. Working on this project has been incredible, better than I could ever imagine. I have done my best in all areas to help the team. I think I will have done more than 125 hours in the Honda simulator, so I have done five 24 Hours of Daytona “says Matt McMurry in the first place with some pride for the work done.
Along these lines, McMurry adds: “I am experiencing it through the usual lens of a pilot who gives feedback to the engineer or team of engineers in the process, but I also do it as the engineer who receives this information. You could say that, having both roles cuts the middleman out of the process. Shooting at Paul Ricard and Magny-Cours was fantastic, a dream come true. To be the first driver to shoot the Acura ARX-06 on track was very special. It’s an honour. and I am grateful that HPD has given me this opportunity.”
Photos: Acura