Richard Raeder, Owner, Sierra Sierra Enterprises:
Raphael Matos, 2005 Star Mazda Series Champion:Lap times are critical, and our driver candidates tested very fast last week. Beyond the stopwatch, Sierra Sierra continues to bring on drivers who stand to gain the most from a competitive opportunity in the Atlantics for the advancement of their careers. We greatly appreciate the drivers who formearded resumes and showed a desire to be with our team.
David Empringham, 2-time Atlantic Champion/Sierra Sierra Driver Coach:I am glad to be part of Sierra Sierra. It was great to sit down in the car last week and complete some very fast laps. Dave (Empringham), Gerald (Tyler) and Richard have an incredible depth of knowledge in this sport and they work together like a fine-tuned machine. I believe this is the best program in the Atlantic series, and we have what it takes to win this year.
Raphael Matos's race resume.....We have found a diamond in the rough. Raphael is a natural-born racer, with raw speed, intense focus, the ability to provide accurate feedback, a hunger to win, and a great personality. He is unquestionably championship material and I believe we could not have found a better and more deserving driver to represent Sierra Sierra in our quest for the 2006 Champ Car Atlantic Champioship.
1993-2000, began racing in karting events
2001-Chevrolet Formula Junior Champion, Brazil
2002-Formula Dodge Midwest Champion, USA
2003-Formula Dodge National Champion, USA
2004-7th place, Star Mazda Series, USA
2005-Star Mazda Series Champion, USA