University of Bolton VC pays tribute to former F1 director and honorary doctor

The President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton has paid tribute to former F1 race team director and honorary graduate of the university, Dr Robert (Bob) Fernley, who has died this week at the age of 70.

Professor George E Holmes DL described Dr Fernley as a "wonderful man" who was passionate about giving opportunities to young people from diverse backgrounds.

Professor Holmes said: "Bob played a crucial part in the success of the University of Bolton's National Centre for Motorsport Engineering (NCME) in the F1 arena.

"His focus was firmly on trying to improve social mobility and providing opportunities for people from all backgrounds, which aligns perfectly with this institution's core ethos."

Dr Fernley was involved in supporting and promoting young engineering talent through a number of projects with students and staff from the University’s NCME - and in 2019 the University of Bolton awarded him an honorary doctorate for services to engineering.

As a race engineer, he also ran a 1981 Ensign N180B in historic events. Three-time F1 race winner Johnny Herbert was among those who drove it.

Dr Fernley was the mastermind behind Racing Star - a nationwide e-sport competition held at the University in May 2022 which attracted young entrants from all over the country. The young winner, Deagen Fairclough, is currently sixth in the standings with JHR supported by students of the NCME at the university.

Dr Fernley was the instigator of three bursaries for disadvantaged students, in collaboration with ROKiT, Kingfisher and Kayan. Without him these opportunities would not have been available to students.

A native of Stockport, he had an initial involvement with F1 via the Ensign team in the early 1980s, helping his close friend Jim Crawford, from Bolton, to the 1982 British championship title.

Dr Fernley was involved with IndyCar 500 in the 1980s. A successful individual in all ways, he was also involved in the hotel business, owning a substantial country estate.

Professor Holmes said: "Bob was in every way an inspiration to people (like himself) from modest backgrounds who make it to the very top and yet maintain both their roots and compassion for others.

"Bob made an outstanding contribution to the academic life of this University.

"He has been a crucial part in the success of the National Centre for Motorsport Engineering and his focus was firmly on social mobility and providing opportunities for people from all backgrounds.

"Because of that dedication and support, in March the University admitted Dr Fernley to a personal Professorial Chair at the University - the very highest academic accolade reserved only for the most outstanding in their field in the world.

"We have decided as a consequence to name the Chair the 'Robert Fernley Chair of Motorsport Engineering', which will remain in place in perpetuity. It means that in future any outstanding individuals in this field can be appointed to this chair and will carry Bob's name.

"It is a fitting tribute to an irreplaceable role model who has sadly been taken from us far too early."