Son of a 14-time Brazilian touring car champion. Whilst testing at Elkhart Lake 2006, his car hit a deer crossing the track. First there were fears for his life, but despite very serious head injuries he survived to begin the long road to recovery. In 2011 he returned to full-time racing again in ALMS, five years after the accident. Da Matta is no longer racing and is involved in the financial and logistical side of the family Da Matta Design clothing business.
