Hosted in association with Ampito, the ‘From tech to track’ event is part of the University’s 180th anniversary celebrations, showcasing the intersection of motorsport, engineering, and cutting-edge technology.

Rea, who won six successive WorldSBK titles between 2015 and 2020, took part in insightful panel discussions alongside Paul Denning, Team Principal of the Pata Maxus Yamaha WorldSBK and Beatriz Neila, four-time Women's European Championship winner.

Other panellists included Dr Tom O’Kane, Crew Chief (for Andrea Locatelli), Pata Maxus Yamaha WorldSBK; Manny Pinon, Founder and CEO, Ampito and Ciara Burns, a Queen’s Mechanical Engineering graduate who is now working with Fortescue Zero.

More than 100 students from the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering formed the audience, along with business leaders and motorsport enthusiasts.

They heard first-hand from panel members about the science of performance, diversity in the sport, team dynamics, leadership and their personal career journeys.

They also gained insights into Queen’s University’s historic contribution to motorsport engineering, as well as expert knowledge on sustainability within the industry, engineering innovation, the role of data and technology and career pathways.

Ray McCullough, the "Dromara Destroyer", also attended the event. Ray was an integral member of Queen’s University’s Team Optimum Grand Prix, who took on and beat the world’s best in racing The iconic QUB 500, which was designed and built by the Mechanical Engineering department at Queen’s was also on show.

Jonathan Rea Inspires Future Engineers - Full Story