Royal Automobile Club to present Motoring Lectures

Royal Automobile Club to present Motoring Lectures In celebration of London Motor Week the Royal Automobile Club will host a series of events and lectures celebrating the past, present and future of the automobile. Staged annually the lectures bring together some of the finest experts in the field of motoring and motor sport together to share their unique experiences. The lectures will take place at the Pall Mall clubhouse on Tuesday 1 November 2016 and is open to both Club members and non-members. With such a stellar cast the lectures are sure to appeal to a cross section of motoring enthusiasts.  The Lectures: PROFESSOR GORDON MURRAY: FORMULA 1 TECHNOLOGY FOR THE EVERYDAY MOTORIST A look back at the history and development of structural composites and their future in the high volume automotive sector. Biography Gordon Murray gained a Mechanical Engineering Diploma from Natal Technical College. In 1969 Gordon joined the Brabham Formula One Team as Technical Director winning two World Championships (1981 and 1983) during his 17 years with the team.  He joined McLaren Racing as Technical Director in 1988 and four consecutive constructors championship wins, 1988, 1989, 1990,1991 followed.  In 1990 Gordon established McLaren Cars Ltd for the group, creating a successful Le Mans car which won two World Sports Car championships. In July 2007, Gordon Murray Design was established to develop an innovative and automotive manufacturing technology, trademarked iStream®. RAY HUTTON: MARRIAGES OF CONVENIENCE  In today’s motor industry, bigger isn’t always better. Increasingly, loose alliances between rival companies are favoured over mergers and takeovers. This lecture explores the reasons that car makers get together, tells of successes and failures, and reveals some intriguing alliances that might have been. Biography Ray Hutton has been following and reporting on the motor industry and its products for 40 years. A former editor-in-chief of Autocar, his work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, and on websites worldwide. He was, for 12 years, president of the International Car of the Year jury. His 2013 book Jewels in the Crown, about Tata’s acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover, won the Montagu Trophy awarded by the Guild of Motor Writers for ‘the greatest contribution to the history of motoring in a published book or article’. MIKE PARKER: SIGNS OF THE TIMES In 1963, the Worboys Report ushered in a brave new world of British road signage. More than half a century later, it is still going strong.  In this illustrated talk, author Mike Parker (Mapping the Roads, Map Addict etc.) takes us back to the often bizarre selection process for Britain's new look, and places it in its mid-century context, and as a rare survivor of that long lost time of optimism. Biography: Mike Parker’s fascination with maps began as a child. A seasoned traveler, Mike has written several books and travelogues. He has also appeared regularly on television, including BBC Wales. HENRY LAWSON: HARRY LAWSON SAINT OR SINNER?  Harry Lawson was a controversial figure. At the genesis of motoring he sought to establish a British car manufacturing industry. A founder of the Motor Car Club responsible for organizing the Emancipation Run, Lawson was also convicted for fraud. In this illustrated talk Henry Lawson explores the business schemes and inventions Harry Lawson employed, affording the opportunity to re-assess his place in automotive history. Biography: Henry Lawson graduated from Trinity Hall, Cambridge with an MA in Engineering and continued his studies at Harvard Business School, where he gained an MBA with High Distinction as a Baker Scholar. Mr Lawson has held many senior directorships and is Co-Founder and CEO of autograph, Inc. Lecture Details:  Event date:     Tuesday 1 November 2016. Event Venue: Mountbatten Room, Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HS Fee:                 The lectures cost £20.00 for Club members and £25.00 for non-members. Price includes all lectures, buffet luncheon and optional historical tour of the clubhouse. Please note that pre-booking is essential, please contact: heritage@royalautomobileclub.co.uk  Members of the media wishing to attend, please contact Rebecca Leppard for media accreditation:rebecca@eventspr.co.uk  Notes to Editors: About London Motor Week London Motor Week is presented by the Royal Automobile Club and runs from Monday 31 October until Sunday 6 November 2016, culminating in the world famous Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Other events include: Monday 31 October:               Royal College of Art - Design Presentation Evening Tuesday 1 November:            Royal Automobile Club Motoring Lectures Tuesday 1 November:            Art of Motoring Exhibition (private viewing) open to public all week Wednesday 2 November:      Motoring Book of the Year Award Thursday 3 November:          Royal Automobile Club Motoring Forum Friday 4 November:               Bonhams Auction Saturday 5 November:           Regent Street Motor Show Sunday 6 November:             Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run