Former Eastbourne College pupil helps bring Tesla's ‘flying car’ to life
A former Eastbourne College pupil who built his own car while at school has gone on to play a key role in the development of Tesla's new Roadster.
James Crook, who attended Eastbourne College from 2002 to 2007, led the aerodynamic development of the vehicle, a high-performance electric sports car designed to push the boundaries of automotive engineering.
The latest version, part of Elon Musk's vision for Tesla's next-generation sports car, attracted worldwide attention after its much-anticipated demonstration in Texas last month, in which the vehicle was able to drive upside down and take to the air.
James' interest in cars and engineering began during his time at Eastbourne College, where he enjoyed designing and building things.
“I was a Formula One fan at the College and had a keen interest in cars,” he said. "In fact, I built my own Locost-style car while I was at school.”
James spent much of his time in the College's Design and Technology department, putting his ideas into practice.
He said: “Mr Trinder gave me a real sense that you can do anything with enough attention and effort. I spent much of my free time building, designing and working out how to solve complex problems. It turns out that was quite useful!”
Alongside studying physics and maths at Eastbourne College, James continued to develop his practical engineering skills. His passion for the subject helped him stand out during his Cambridge University interview, where he shared his car drawings.
After graduating, James spent around ten years working in aerodynamics with Formula One teams before joining Tesla and becoming aerodynamics lead for the Roadster project. Initially working from the UK, he moved to the United States in 2025.
With Tesla projects kept firmly under wraps, James couldn't even tell his parents exactly what he was working on, making the Roadster unveiling a particularly proud moment.
He said: “Watching it drive upside down, 20 metres in the air, using the system I developed with my colleagues was particularly rewarding.”
James has since left Tesla and moved on to other exciting engineering projects. He still retains strong connections with Eastbourne College, describing it as ‘an amazing place to learn and grow’.
And James even met his wife Ibiye at the College, of whom he shares ‘very fond memories’ of their time there with.
He said: “Eastbourne College taught me to believe anything is possible, and that the only real limit is physics!”
His advice to current pupils interested in engineering, science or another competitive industry is to follow their passions and find their own way to stand out.
“Pursue something you're passionate about, then spend your time exploring every avenue within it,” he said. “Standing out in your own way, whether that's drawing cars for a Cambridge interview or building your own car with paper-round money, is key to landing your next move.
“There will also be unexpected knocks that can dent your confidence, but each one is a chance to learn and grow.”