Winfried Matter has died: mourning the long-serving DSK president

Winfried Matter died last Thursday at the age of 78 following a prolonged illness. For decades, his company’s slogan, ‘ohne Matter platter’ (literally: ‘flatter without Matter’), was far more than just a cheap catchphrase in the world of motorsport: it perfectly encapsulated Matter’s intentions, the technical implementation and, at the same time, his unique, unfailing sense of humour.

Winfried Matter was a beneficent institution in German, and later also in international, motorsport. Early on in his career as an active motorsport competitor, particularly in rallying, he recognised enormous shortcomings in terms of passive safety when taking part in sporting activities involving motor vehicles. However much modern cars had already been developed with this in mind as early as the 1960s, it was clear to him – and to others – that this was by no means sufficient to guarantee an even higher level of occupant protection, even under the rigours of competitive racing.

Matter not only made this aspect his moral compass, so to speak, but also soon turned it into his business concept. He began, initially on a small scale, to develop and produce roll bars and roll cages. With a high level of technical sophistication, safety cells were created specifically for touring cars and GT vehicles, and more and more sports car drivers came to recognise their qualities – whether from their own experience in a crash or from observing racing accidents. As a side effect of the stabilisation provided by the safety equipment, the torsional rigidity of the racing cars fitted in this way increased, which naturally improved their handling.

Against this backdrop, the safety business flourished on a serious and large scale. With his straightforward, honest and persuasive manner, Matter became a respected figure in the motorsport scene with connections in all directions. Entire one-make cups and racing series, right up to the former DTM, were at times fitted with Matter’s safety equipment. Matter’s company produced and sold units in the six-figure range, but no one has counted how many people were saved or spared more serious injuries thanks to this package.

By then, word had got round that the safety business had become highly lucrative, and he had to reorient himself in the face of ever-increasing competition. As a pioneer in his sector, he became active in China, where he soon established himself as a sought-after adviser on all matters relating to motorsport.

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Here and there, he made a significant contribution to the promotion of his beloved motorsport through his expertise. The German Sports Drivers’ Association (DSK), of which he was president and honorary president, quotes him in its obituary as saying: “Motorsport should be fun; motorsport should be affordable for everyone; every talented driver should have at least a fair chance.”