Mathew J. Leonard joined MRA Forensic Sciences in July 2021.  Mathew has been involved in the automotive industry for nearly 40 years. Mathew’s love of vehicles began while racing with his parents back in Australia and growing up in their family business (OG Speed Shop, a premier race shop in Australia), while also completing a four-year degree in Motor Mechanics in Automotive Engineering. 

Mathew’s experience in the automotive industry gives him a professional understanding of all forms of automotive vehicles, anything from 0 to 11,000 HP, front to back, and top to bottom.

After graduating, Mathew moved to the US, where he raced professionally in the NHRA Pro Drag Racing Circuit.  Mathew was fortunate to race with two icons of the sport and managed Graeme Cowin’s Australian Top Fuel team competing in the US and joined Connie Kalitta’s Top Fuel team. Mathew consulted for a few race teams across the globe and has designed & built several other race cars for various clients. 

Throughout Mathew’s career, he has always endeavored to solve any automotive problem that has arisen.  This broad automotive knowledge has allowed him to become an expert in automotive product failures. Along with working in the forensics industry, Mathew’s background also allows him to work within the defense & aerospace industries.

Outside of the office, Mathew loves spending time with his family and continues to race his personal racecar on the NHRA National & Heritage circuits.