Speed star accepts Honorary Fellowship

12 July 2016

World Superbikes champion Carl Fogarty collects academic award

The King of the Jungle swapped his bike leathers for academic robes as he accepted a prestigious academic award from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

Four time World Superbikes champion Carl Fogarty received his Honorary Fellowship today, Wednesday, in front of a packed audience at Preston’s Guild Hall.

The Blackburn born speed star said: “It’s always nice to receive recognition for your achievements and I’m honoured that the University of Central Lancashire chose me to receive an Honorary Fellowship. I perhaps should have tried a bit harder with my education so hopefully this award can inspire others to carry on with their studies and pursue their dreams.”

Carl’s competitive debut on two wheels came in motorcross racing but he soon moved into road racing. In 1990 the proud Lancastrian achieved a double win on the Isle of Man and in 1994 he claimed the coveted World Superbike championship for the first time. He then went on to win it again a further three times in 1995, 1997 and 1998. He later went on to be crowned King of the Jungle on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

"We are delighted to confer an Honorary Fellowship to a sporting great who has a great affinity with our county."

He collected his award in front of new School of Film, Media and Performance graduates, their family and friends.

A spokesperson for the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) said: “We are delighted to confer an Honorary Fellowship to a sporting great who has a great affinity with our county.

“Carl Fogarty is enormously proud of his Lancastrian roots and his determination to become the best in the world was legendary. To win the World Superbikes championship once was hard enough but to win the title four times is a feat which hasn’t been surpassed.

“He has achieved so much success during his career and he is a great example to our graduates and our wider University community.”

Nearly 4,000 students are graduating from the University this week.