peakcompletions Report post Posted April 7, 2011 I received a stunning phone message yesterday about my friend, Martin Bartek who had passed away this week. This is absoultely heart wrenching in that he has two young children and a loving wife. You will be missed my friend. Prayers sent for your family. RIP http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/gt-...ek-passes-away/ Matech Concepts founder and team principal Martin Bartek died suddenly on Wednesday. The Swiss businessman, turned racer and team owner, was only 44. Bartek founded Matech Concepts, a Swiss-based GT constructor in 2006, which designed and built the GT3-spec Ford GT. After storming onto the FIA GT3 European Championship scene in 2007, Bartek drove in select races before focusing his efforts on the management side of the business. Under Bartek’s leadership, Matech quickly grew into one of the leading European GT constructors, having been the first to have developed a new-generation GT1 car for the FIA GT1 World Championship and creation of a GTE-spec Ford GT for customers. The 2010 season saw Matech Competition field Ford GTs in both the FIA GT1 World Championship and 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the legendary Blue Oval made a triumphant return to La Sarthe. Despite Thomas Mutsch finishing runner-up in the GT1 drivers’ championship, Matech Competition closed its doors at the end of the year. Efforts to sell the team never materialized. Ford GTs, however, continue to be entered in the GT1 World Championship and various GT3 championships worldwide, with Matech Concepts still providing technical support. “Martin played a major role in the FIA GT3 European and GT1 World Championships. We have lost a friend,” said SRO Motorsports Group CEO and founder Stephane Ratel in a statement. Martin is survived by his wife Esther and two children, Audrey and Nikola. Further details of Martin’s sudden passing have not yet been released. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbo50Mike Report post Posted April 7, 2011 Damn. Only 44...WTF?? RIP. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Report post Posted April 7, 2011 Wow, sorry Peak..... So young! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayFong Report post Posted April 7, 2011 thats very sad, RIP. I feel bad for the wife and kids. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eugene@SPE Report post Posted April 7, 2011 RIP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NRG x Lambo Report post Posted April 7, 2011 dang.... 44... that's so very sad... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jagata Report post Posted April 7, 2011 Too young indeed RIP. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jpegs13 Report post Posted April 7, 2011 RIP and prayers to the family Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SP_Lotta Murci Report post Posted April 7, 2011 Rest In Peace Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
57udl3y Report post Posted April 7, 2011 very young and responsible for such hot looking race cars, RIP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortis Report post Posted April 7, 2011 44, that's way to young, other reminder that we should live everyday to the fullest . RIP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ascari_2 Report post Posted April 7, 2011 RIP and condolences to his family. I wish them the best of luck making it through this difficult time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SV-N-IT Report post Posted April 8, 2011 Why so young? My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
E7ITE Report post Posted April 8, 2011 wow....so young..RIP and prayers for the family Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrentS Report post Posted April 8, 2011 RIP I heard this earlier, way too young! As Fortis said, live every day to the fullest, you just never know. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nath4N Report post Posted April 8, 2011 RIP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADV.1 Wheels Report post Posted April 8, 2011 RIP! I was just on Matech's site the other day trying to see how the GT1 championship was going for them. I'll see what I can find out - i'm in contact with Steve Nesta, their official photographer on a regular basis. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smash Boy Report post Posted April 8, 2011 Very sad. RIP. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LPDADDY Report post Posted April 9, 2011 Bad year for car tuners. RIP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Destructo Report post Posted April 11, 2011 Very sad news. Guy knew his cars and business that's for sure. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmtn Report post Posted April 12, 2011 Bad year for car tuners. RIP Exactly. Everyone dies. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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