September 5, 2024

Caterham Academy

The Caterham Academy is an incredible starting point for anyone whoโ€™s ever wanted to enter the world of motorsport. Launched in 1995, this series is

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Bridge Classic Cars Summer Social

Save the date: Sunday, 27th July 2025, as Bridge Classic Cars host our Summer Social!

This will be a relaxed car meet and the perfect way to spend a summer morning, whether youโ€™re a classic car enthusiast or simply enjoy admiring beautiful vehicles. Everyone is welcome โ€“ with or without a classic car!


Running from 10 AM to 1 PM, the Summer Social is a laid-back event where petrolheads can get together, chat, and appreciate some stunning cars. The Classic Lounge Bar will be open and there will be food available throughout the day.

While youโ€™re here, youโ€™ll have the chance to take a look around our workshop. Itโ€™s the perfect opportunity to see what weโ€™ve been working on and get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the current projects happening at Bridge Classic Cars.


Entry is free, but we do ask that you RSVP so we know how many people to expect. Whether youโ€™re bringing a car or just stopping by to take a look at the cars, we canโ€™t wait to see you for relaxed fun, great conversation, and, of course, classic cars.

More information will be available over the coming months.


Caterham Academy

The Caterham Academy is an incredible starting point for anyone whoโ€™s ever wanted to enter the world of motorsport. Launched in 1995, this series is designed exclusively for novice drivers, giving people with no racing experience the chance to be on the track in a proper race car. Over 1,300 drivers have gone through the Academy so far, making it one of Europeโ€™s most popular novice seriesโ€‹.

How The Caterham Academy Works

For around ยฃ38,990, you get everything you need to start your journey into motorsport. That includes a Caterham 7 – a lightweight, road-legal race car with a 1.6-litre Ford Sigma engine that generates 125bhp. Although this is completely road-legal, this is 100% a race car and can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds.

Obviously, the speed and power are exciting but, the Academy isn’t just about fast cars. Your car is specifically designed to help you learn car control with its low-grip tyres and open differential, so you can really get to grips with racingโ€‹.

As well as the car, youโ€™ll receive comprehensive support from the Caterham team. This includes your ARDS (Association of Racing Drivers Schools) test to get your racing license, a pre-season track day, and a full season of racing with seven rounds and one sprintโ€‹.

The races are short, typically 20 minutes each, but long enough for you to develop your skills on a real circuitโ€‹.


Caterham Academy Benefits

One of the Academyโ€™s key benefits is its inclusive, all-in-one package. Once you sign up, the Academy includes technical support at every race, a race license, trackside guidance, and access to a community of fellow novice racers. No professional team support is allowed, which keeps things affordable and ensures a level playing field for everyoneโ€‹.

There is also a big focus on progression. After completing your first season, you donโ€™t have to stop racing. Most drivers upgrade their Academy cars and move up to the Caterham Roadsport Championship, where the competition gets a bit tougher. From there, you can go even further, progressing to the 270R and 310R championships, all while keeping the same car with incremental upgradesโ€‹.

The Academy Racer

In 2024, Caterham launched The Academy Racer, a video series following motorsport presenter Samantha Parker as she takes on her journey as an Academy driver. This series highlights what itโ€™s really like to step into the world of racing, offering a behind-the-scenes look at everything from the pre-season nerves to the excitement of race day. Itโ€™s also part of Caterhamโ€™s efforts to inspire more diversity in motorsport, particularly by encouraging more women to get involved.


โ€œBeing part of the Caterham Academy this year as a racer, while doing my motorsport presenting will be a challenge, but itโ€™s one that I am more than ready to take on, and I know Iโ€™ll have the support of the Caterham team along the way.

โ€œWe have racers who are of all ages and backgrounds competing this year, and itโ€™s inspiring to be able to go on this journey with them this season.โ€

Samantha Parker



โ€œThe statistics donโ€™t lie; last year a report found female participation currently represents on average about 10% across all categories of competition.

โ€œA lack of female role models is often seen as a barrier for participation in the sport. โ€˜The Academy Racerโ€™ video series wonโ€™t simply solve these barriers, but our hope is by documenting Samโ€™s journey this season we can showcase the fun, friendly, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere anyone can enjoy by entering the Caterham Academy.โ€

โ€œSam has been a role model for this brand for 20 years, so we are excited to finally have her compete in a season and continue to drive excitement for audiences as our presenter.โ€

Simon Lambert, Chief Motorsport and Technical Officer

The Caterham Academy

The Caterham Academy is a great opportunity for anyone looking to break into motorsport without the hefty price tag usually associated with racing. You will get race experience, a community of other drivers at the same level as you, and your very own Caterham Seven!

The Academy is looking for new drivers for the 2025 season – all the information can be found here.


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