Raphael Matos
A Brazilian racing driver who conquered North America's junior open-wheel ladder, claiming championships on his path to the Indianapolis 500.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Brazilian open-wheel racing driver·Birthday: August 28·Millennials
Biography
Raphael 'Rafa' Matos emerged from the competitive Brazilian karting scene with a clear trajectory: the top of American open-wheel racing. His move to the United States proved astute, as he systematically dominated the feeder series. In 2007, he mastered the Champ Car Atlantic series, and with the merger of American open-wheel racing, he seamlessly transitioned to win the Indy Lights crown in 2008. This double championship success earned him the coveted rookie-of-the-year honors in the IndyCar Series. While a major series victory proved elusive, Matos became a respected and consistent presence in the field, racing for teams like Luczo Dragon and de Ferran Motorsport. His career is a testament to the skill required to climb the North American open-wheel ladder, culminating in multiple starts in the world's greatest motor race, the Indianapolis 500.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Raphael was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Raphael Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Raphael's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2008 Firestone Indy Lights Series championship.
- Secured the 2007 Champ Car Atlantic Series championship.
- Named the 2009 IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year.
- Competed in the Indianapolis 500 multiple times, with a best finish of 12th place in 2009.
Did You Know?
He is sometimes referred to by the nickname 'Rafa Matos'.
He lives in Miami, Florida.
Before moving to the US, he competed in the South American Formula Three Championship.
He drove for the de Ferran Motorsport team, co-founded by former CART champion Gil de Ferran.
“You have to be aggressive and take risks, but you also have to be smart.”
