Automotive and Motorsport Anniversary
Celebrating 65 years of automotive and 25 years of motorsport education
19 July 2025
11.00am
Dinner at 6.30pm
Celebrate Cranfield University’s rich legacy in automotive and motorsport education with a spectacular event marking 65 years of automotive innovation and 25 years of motorsport excellence.
Whether you’re an alumnus, a prospective student, automotive or motorsport enthusiast, past, present or prospective client this is a unique opportunity to experience the cutting-edge world of automotive engineering at Cranfield. Families are welcome.
What to expect
A stunning vehicle exhibition
Step into the past, present, and future of automotive engineering with an exclusive ‘Cranfield road and race car highway’, featuring:
- Iconic classic cars spanning seven decades;
- High-performance race cars and motorsport legends;
- Ground-breaking research vehicles, including autonomous and electric models.
Would you like to showcase your vehicle? Register below to be part of the display.
Thrilling experiential events
Get behind the wheel or ride along in cutting-edge vehicles with:
- Classic car ride experiences;
- Simulators to test your driving skills on legendary circuits;
- Plus more to be announced.
s
Expert insights and guest speakers
Engage with industry pioneers in an inspiring lecture series featuring automotive and motorsport experts. Cranfield faculty will also provide insights into the latest research and academic programmes.
Exclusive campus tours
Explore Cranfield’s world-class facilities, including:
- Wind tunnels;
- Driving in the loop simulators;
- Pit garage;
- Mechatronics research;
- Battery research lab;
- Cranfield Impact Centre;
- Cranfield Off Road Dynamics Facility (B54);
- Virtual prototyping validation lab.
s
Other activities
In addition to the main attractions, guests can enjoy a variety of interactive activities:
- The future of automotive and motorsport at Cranfield – An exhibition showcasing Cranfield’s latest advancements and research shaping the future of the industry.
- Cranfield automotive history display – A timeline celebrating Cranfield’s rich history in automotive and motorsport engineering.
- F1 parts wall and Scalextric – Test your motorsport knowledge with a hands-on challenge to identify Formula 1 components or enjoy a classic Scalextric race.
- Race strategy simulation competition – Step into the shoes of an F1 strategist and compete in a real-time simulation to plan the best race strategy.
- Food and drink stalls – Enjoy a variety of food and beverage options throughout the event, offering a selection of delicious meals, snacks and refreshments.
Speakers
James Brighton — Professor of Automotive Engineering
Professor James Brighton has over 22 years' experience relating to off road vehicle dynamics, terra-mechanics, tyre and track system modelling, advanced vehicle instrumentation and lightweight material structures and his current clients span the globe. He is responsible for the Cranfield Off Road Dynamics Facility, which he designed and managed the delivery of, together with its unique suite of research machines, in collaboration with his colleagues within his previous Centre for Automotive Technology. The facility won the Henry Ford Technical achievement award in 2007.
Professor Brighton manages the Advanced Vehicle Engineering Centre and specialises in applied research, design, development and postgraduate teaching in relation to advanced vehicle technology for off road and race circuit environments, together with the development of novel lightweight materials and associated nanotechnology.
The applications of this research are broad and include automobiles, sports utility vehicles (SUVs), motorcycles, competition vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, low carbon vehicles (LCVs), agricultural machinery, industrial machinery, military vehicles, space vehicles, marine vessels, air and landing craft. The Centre also manages and delivers the IMechE, RAeS and IET accredited MSc in Advanced Motorsport Engineering, the MSc in Automotive Engineering, MSc in Automotive Mechatronics and allied short courses, for which Professor Brighton teaches Motorsport Vehicle Dynamics.
He was involved in the EU-funded research projects ECOshell, InnoREX, Sirena and FutureSKY, and the Innovate-funded CarBIO, HumanDRIVE and AidCAV programmes, and has just concluded the EPSRC-funded CogSHIFT programme with Jaguar Land Rover. He is currently working on the ATi-funded LLGF programme and the Innovate-funded CargoPOD programme, and is actively building and seeking consortia for H2020 and Innovate UK calls.
Evening anniversary dinner
Wrap up the day with an anniversary dinner at CMDC at 6.30pm. Reconnect with old classmates, network with industry leaders, and celebrate Cranfield’s impact on automotive and motorsport innovation.
Tickets
Day ticket: FREE
Secure your place now!
Evening anniversary dinner: £65
Extend your experience with an exclusive evening celebration. Book now!
Join us in celebrating Cranfield’s automotive and motorsport legacy — we look forward to welcoming you!
Plan your visit
Accommodation
Contact CMDC directly on +44 (0)1234 752709 and quote "alumni" for a special rate.
Directions and parking
Visit our how to find us web page.
Follow signs for AIRC parking upon arrival.
Dress code
Casual for daytime activities; smart attire for the evening dinner.
Local taxi services
Milton Keynes
Skyline: 01908 222 111
Bedford
Skyline: 01234 555 555
Contact us
For enquiries, contact Alumni Relations and Development.
E: alumni@cranfield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1234 754456
Follow us
Cookies & privacy
We use cookies when you visit this website to analyse the web traffic, optimise the performance and content of the website and promote trust and security. Cookies are small text files that are stored by your internet browser on your computer. These cookies do not include any personal information, they are only used for the duration of your web session to improve your experience. Please visit our Privacy Policy for data processing details.
Built with Shorthand