Matthew Forthofer
About Matthew Forthofer
Matthew Forthofer is an Engineering Manager at Toyota Racing Development USA, specializing in vehicle dynamics and tire data analysis. He has extensive experience in the automotive industry, having held key roles at various organizations including Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. and Red Bull Racing Team.
Current Role at Toyota Racing Development USA
Matthew Forthofer serves as the Engineering Manager for Tire and Data Analysis at Toyota Racing Development USA. He has held this position since 2022, contributing to the company's focus on vehicle dynamics and performance optimization. His role involves overseeing tire analysis and data management, ensuring that the engineering team meets the high standards required in motorsports. Forthofer's expertise in vehicle testing and tuning plays a critical role in enhancing automotive performance.
Previous Experience at Toyota Racing Development
Prior to his current role, Forthofer worked at Toyota Racing Development USA as the Tire Team Leader from 2012 to 2019. In this capacity, he led initiatives related to tire performance and development, leveraging his extensive knowledge in vehicle dynamics. His tenure at Toyota Racing Development has spanned over a decade, highlighting his commitment to the organization and the motorsports industry.
Background in Motorsports Engineering
Forthofer has a diverse background in motorsports engineering, having worked as the Motorsports Technical Director at Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. from 2021 to 2022. His experience also includes positions at Red Bull Racing Team, where he served as a Research and Development Engineer and later as a Simulation Engineer. These roles allowed him to develop skills in advanced engineering practices and contribute to high-performance racing teams.
Education and Technical Skills
Matthew Forthofer earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, studying from 1989 to 1994. His educational background laid the foundation for his technical expertise, which includes proficiency in CAD and FEA, essential tools for designing and analyzing engineering systems. Additionally, he possesses programming and machine learning skills, enhancing his capabilities in modern computational techniques relevant to automotive engineering.
Career at Michelin
Before joining Toyota Racing Development, Forthofer worked at Michelin as a Tire Designer from 1994 to 2007. His role involved designing tire products and contributing to innovations in tire technology. This experience provided him with a solid understanding of tire dynamics, which he has applied throughout his career in motorsports.