Racers in Isolation: Matt McMurry

Sportscar365 is asking drivers from around the world what they’re doing during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they’re coping with the racing downtime.

This time it’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Meyer Shank Racing driver and 2019 LMP2 champion Matt McMurry (Twitter/Instagram).

Where are you sitting out the COVID-19 crisis?

I’m sitting it out at home in Irvine, California. Thankfully I have my girlfriend and four other roommates to keep me company!

What have been some of the challenges of staying at home for you?

Doing university classes remotely has been a little challenging. I’m lucky that this is my last quarter before graduating (woohoo!) and I only have two classes. 

Do you do sim racing? If so, tell us a bit about your setup and what games you use.

I’m not super into it right now, especially because I haven’t had my sim with me while in university. My roommate has a wheel and pedals hooked to his desk though and we play Assetto Corsa with that.

It’s super basic and a little janky, but still fun! Assetto Corsa and Dirt Rally have been my favorites recently. 

What’s on your current playlist?

Pretty much the same stuff that’s been on it for the last eight years… I need some new music.

I have been listening to a podcast called “13 Minutes to the Moon” though, which has been really interesting. It’s all about the crazy stories and technologies that went into the Apollo moon landings. 

What is your daily driver or dream car?

My daily driver is a 2012 Range Rover Sport. I don’t know if this counts, but my dream car would be any of the hybrid LMP1 cars from the last five years.

Those things have always blown my mind. Driving around Le Mans in an LMP2 feels fast until one of those things comes screaming by you!

Approximately how many airline miles have you flown since the start of your racing career?

The airlines’ websites say I’ve flown enough miles to go to the moon and back 5 times. That sounds a bit high to me. I think the real number is somewhere closer to 1 million miles.   

What other forms of motorsport would you like to try your hand in?

I’ve always wanted to try rally racing. Everything about it is just crazy in the best way. 

What’s the one thing you are most looking forward to the first day you return to a race track? 

Besides driving, I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again. It will be like a big family reunion!