Alumni Spotlight: Matthew Thersby

Petrol-head passion, precision engineering and desert racing adventures have taken Trinityhouse alumnus Matthew Thersby across the globe and into some of the toughest motorsport events on earth.

A proud alumnus of Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge’s Class of 2015, Matthew has turned his childhood fascination for motorsport into a thrilling international career as a race engineer currently working alongside Ford Motor Company in Rally Raid racing. Between the Dakar Rally, vehicle innovation and life between South Africa and Australia, Matthew’s story proves that passion, perseverance and problem-solving can take you almost anywhere.

What are your strongest memories from Trinityhouse? 

Rugby definitely stands out. Some of my best memories were made on the rugby field alongside close friends and incredible teammates. Classroom moments also played a huge role in shaping my future. Certain friends pushed me to work harder and inspired me to chase my dream of becoming an engineer. Teachers supported me every step of the way and helped build the skills I needed to succeed.

What path did you follow after matric?

I studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Pretoria before completing my Honours and Master’s degrees through the Vehicle Dynamics Group. My research focused on vehicle suspension control systems for modern SUVs.

Did you always know motorsport was your future?

Motorsport has been part of my family for generations. My father and grandfather both had careers in racing. Interest really kicked in around age 14, and I quickly realised engineering and motorsport were the perfect combination for me.

What does a race engineer actually do?

Every race event starts days before the action begins. My role involves preparing the car, analysing data, fine-tuning performance and working closely alongside the driver to ensure the vehicle behaves exactly as needed. Tiny adjustments can make a huge difference in performance. Rally Raid racing is basically a giant puzzle where every detail matters.

What was the Dakar Rally experience like?

Incredible, exhausting and unforgettable. This year marked my fifth consecutive Dakar Rally and my first alongside Ford Racing. Imagine operating in high-pressure conditions across 21 days straight in the desert while working as part of a 100-person team. Every person has a role to play and the teamwork is unbelievable.

What has been your proudest career moment so far?

Two moments stand out. One was seeing a car I helped develop in South Africa finish second on a world championship stage against some of the biggest global teams. Another was winning Stage 3 at the 2026 Dakar Rally alongside Ford Racing. That’s something I’ll never forget.

What excites you most about engineering?

Research and development. I love solving problems, testing ideas and finding creative new solutions. Seeing something you designed succeed on a race car is incredibly rewarding.

How important is teamwork in motorsport?

Critical. Modern race cars involve countless specialised systems, so collaboration between engineers and divisions is essential. Great teams always outperform individuals.

What advice would you give students interested in engineering or motorsport? Work hard and stay curious. Engineering is about solving problems every day. Passion matters too because motorsport demands long hours, travel and resilience. Genuine interest in the work helps you push through the tough moments.

What does life look like outside racing?

Fitness is important to me, especially because travel can make routines difficult. Time at home usually involves family, friends and being outdoors. Australia has amazing camping, fishing and snorkelling spots, so I spend plenty of time near the water whenever possible.

Who has had the biggest influence on your journey? My father, without question. His guidance, experience and sacrifices, alongside my mother’s support, gave me the platform to pursue this career and study engineering.

What exciting goals lie ahead?

Several major events are lined up in Abu Dhabi, Morocco and Saudi Arabia. Longer term, I’d love to transition into circuit racing and eventually work in the Australian Supercars Championship.

 Quick Fire

• Coffee, tea or energy drinks? Coffee.
• Early mornings or night owl? Night owl.
• Favourite race location so far? South Africa.
• Dream car? Porsche 911 964 or a classic Nissan Patrol Y61.
• One word to describe Dakar Rally? Adventure.
• Best lesson motorsport has taught you? Perseverance.
• Dream motorsport event to work on? Bathurst 1000 in Australia.

Matthew Thersby’s journey proves that determination, innovation and passion can open doors across the world. Life inside international motorsport may involve long hours, harsh deserts and relentless pressure, but Matthew continues to chase every challenge at full speed. Trinityhouse students dreaming about engineering, racing or global careers can certainly take inspiration from his remarkable story.