This past weekend the Rally community suffered a great loss. While competing at the Olympus Rally in Washington the #65 of Matthew Marker and Christopher Gordon left the course on stage 6 and struck a tree, fatally injuring Marker. Gordon was uninjured.
Matthew was a likable free spirit who had a smile ready for anyone. Whether he was trying to make it back to service with a flat tire or he had just blazed through a stage; he was happy to just be behind the wheel.
During night stages Marker was famous for turning on the undercarriage neon lights much to the delight of fans.
Matthew was one of my favorite competitors and someone I always enjoyed seeing every January at the Sno*Drift Rally in Northern Michigan.
Hailing from Elk Rapids, Sno*Drift was Matthew’s home event and one where he had a huge fan base.
Matthew’s easy going demeanor and friendliness will be greatly missed throughout the racing community.
A memorial service will be held tomorrow (5/7/2011) to honor Marker at 2pm in Elk Rapids. Reportedly a parade to celebrate the life of Matthew will be held by the Fire Dept. in conjunction with two local bands which had connections to the likeable 31-year-old driver.
PitSide... Online 
He will always be missed! Great guy, big heart, and a lot of fun!
It is always a sad day when we lose someone in the Racing community.
God Speed Matthew.
Rally In Peace bro i will see you someday always be your neighbor even in heaven may be gone but your spirit is still in your cars
Sno drift Matt MAke Them Do Good