Mission Statement

THE FOUNDATION’S MISSION IS TO
SUPPORT YOUNGSTERS FROM
ALL
BACKGROUNDS GENDERS ETHNICITIES 
TO SUCCEED IN MOTORSPORT.

THE FOUNDATION’S MISSION IS TO SUPPORT YOUNGSTERS FROM
ALL
BACKGROUNDS GENDERS ETHNICITIES
TO SUCCEED IN MOTORSPORT.

THE FOUNDATION’S MISSION IS TO SUPPORT YOUNGSTERS
FROM ALL
BACKGROUNDS GENDERS ETHNICITIES
TO SUCCEED IN MOTORSPORT.

About us

Conceived in 2019, the Fernley Foundation is focussed on helping young people of modest means find a career in motorsports. The Foundation’s Chairman: Robert (Bob) Fernley, has enjoyed a remarkable career in Formula One, Can Am and Indy Cars. Over the past fifty years, Bob’s achievements in motorsports are most impressive. In fact, he is arguably the only person to have had podium finishes in all three top-tier racing categories and only recently stepped down as President of the FIA Single Seater Commission.

From a working class background himself, Bob has first-hand experience with the seemingly insurmountable barriers confronting young people trying to enter motorsport. Consequently, his foundation strives to create opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise exist.

Through the Foundation’s close association with the University of Bolton, a number of scientific, technical, and practical initiatives under the banner of “Fast Track to F1” were launched and subsequently enhanced by the donation of two F1 cars and an Indy car Fernley raced in the eighties. These were made available to ensure students received real-world hands-on operating experience.

Robert Fernley - Founder Fernley Foundation

Conceived in 2019, the Not-For-Profit Fernley Foundation is focussed upon helping young people of modest means find a career in motorsports. The Foundation’s Chairman: Robert (Bob) Fernley, has enjoyed a remarkable career in Formula One, Can Am and Indy Cars. Over the past fifty years, Bob’s achievements in motorsports are most impressive. In fact, he is arguably the only person to have had podium finishes in all three top-tier racing categories and only recently stepped down as President of the FIA Single Seater Commission.

From a working class background himself, Bob has first-hand experience with the seemingly insurmountable barriers confronting young people trying to enter car racing. Consequently, his foundation strives to create opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise exist.

Robert Fernley - Founder Fernley Foundation

Conceived in 2019, the Not-For-Profit Fernley Foundation is focussed upon helping young people of modest means find a career in motorsports. The Foundation’s Chairman: Robert (Bob) Fernley, has enjoyed a remarkable career in Formula One, Can Am and Indy Cars. Over the past fifty years, Bob’s achievements in motorsports are most impressive. In fact, he is arguably the only person to have had podium finishes in all three top-tier racing categories and only recently stepped down as President of the FIA Single Seater Commission.

Robert Fernley - Founder Fernley Foundation

From a working class background himself, Bob has first-hand experience with the seemingly insurmountable barriers confronting young people trying to enter car racing. Consequently, his foundation strives to create opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise exist.

Through the Foundation’s close association with the University of Bolton, a number of scientific, technical, and practical initiatives under the banner of “Fast Track to F1” were launched and subsequently enhanced by the donation of a pair of F1 cars and an Indy car Fernley campaigned in the eighties. These were made available to ensure students received real-world hands-on operating experience.

Also needed was a solid scholarship component to help those unable to afford a University education. Consequently, the Not-for-Profit Fernley Foundation has attracted partners and friends who, along with the Foundation, have generously funded a number of scholarships to the UK’s only National Centre for Motorsport Engineering (NCME) within Bolton University.

The Foundation has launched the Racing Star initiative offering motorsport apprenticeships for sixteen to seventeen year olds. Also, recognizing how difficult it is to build a career as a racing driver, the programme will provide the opportunity for aspiring young fourteen – fifteen year old drivers of modest means realize their dreams.

Through the Foundation’s close association with the University of Bolton, a number of scientific, technical, and practical initiatives under the banner of “Fast Track to F1” were launched and subsequently enhanced by the donation of a pair of F1 cars and an Indy car Fernley campaigned in the eighties. These were made available to ensure students received real-world hands-on operating experience.

Also needed was a solid scholarship component to help those unable to afford a University education. Consequently, the Fernley Foundation has attracted partners and friends who, along with the Foundation, have generously funded a number of scholarships to the UK’s only National Centre for Motorsport Engineering (NCME) within Bolton University.

The Foundation has launched the Racing Star initiative offering motorsport apprenticeships for sixteen to seventeen year olds. Also, recognizing how difficult it is to build a career as a racing driver, the programme will provide the opportunity for aspiring young fourteen – fifteen year old drivers of modest means realize their dreams.

“There is talent out there that simply needs the chance. I was lucky to go from a council house to F1 tracks all over the world. I want a new generation to have that opportunity.”

Robert Fernley, former race team owner / principal and founder of the Fernley Foundation

PROJECTS AND
PROGRAMMES

The Fast Track to Formula One project is geared to encourage more young people, particularly those from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds, to aim for the sky in motor sports.

Two benefactors, Kingfisher and ROKiT, have Partnered with the University of Bolton to fund the cost of propelling two disadvantaged youngsters into the exciting world of Formula One.

An exiting new project embracing the latest technology and designed to give UK based youngsters from all backgrounds, ethnicities and gender an equal opportunity to engage and work in motorsport.

partners
and friends

STRONGER TOGETHER