Mathew Nelson

#81 Strictly Stock

Matthew Nelson, from East Longmeadow, Mass, is far from the typical 20 year- old college student. Matt races in the Strictly Stock Division at Monadnock Speedway in New Hampshire. Mat was born into and raised in the racing industry. His Dad raced at Riverside Park Speedway and Matt was always there with him.

By age 14, Matt had made a couple of starts and fell in love with racing. This is his fourth season in the Strictly Stock Division racing the silver #81. His season, thus far, has been good with two 5th place finishes, one 2nd, one 4th and one 18th finish. Matt’s first win was in the 2003 season. He also raced Enduro’s for two seasons and did some ice racing too.

The most challenging race for Matt was his first Strictly Stock competition. He had never raced a rear wheel racecar or a V8. He remembers thinking “Wow, this is going to be a tough division.” He and his Dad are “The Team.” Says Matt; “His Dad does it all.” Matt races because he is at peace in a racecar. He would like to see some of the costs of racing reduced to enable low budget drivers a better opportunity to compete

Photographer/Journalist:  Sheila Somers