The Bedford Autodrome Schools' Grand Prix is a concept conceived by MotorSport Vision (MSV) Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer and enthusiastically supported by the late Bedford Mayor Frank Branston.
Launched in late 2009, the event challenges schools in the Bedford area to design and construct a small electric car, before competing in an endurance race at Bedford Autodrome.
The inaugural Schools' Grand Prix took place on 9 May 2010,
where teams of six pupils from nine schools in the Bedford area
took to the purpose-built track - with support from a pit crew of
volunteer children from their school. Mark Rutherford Upper School
triumphed in the inaugural race and the winning team was
awarded the Frank Branston Trophy, which was presented by his wife
Marlies Branston.
The second Schools' Grand Prix took place on 22 May 2011 with
Biddenham Upper School securing victory, just beating 2010
champions Mark Rutherford Upper School to the chequered flag after
they suffered battery problems late in the race.
The next, and third, Schools' Grand Prix will take place on Sunday 17 June 2012.
