Saturday, 13 June 2015

Brooklands - The Birthplace of British Motorsport



Brooklands Circuit was built in 1907 in Weybridge, Surrey by wealthy land owner Hugh Locke King as a 2.75 mile motor racing track that has banking that rises to 30 degrees, but in the following 80 years it would become a world renowned centre of technology and engineering for car's, motorbikes and aviation.


The track as it looks today. These pictures give a limited indication of the 30 degree banking.




Brooklands heyday was the 1920's and the 1930's where the likes of Sir Malcolm Campbell, John Cobb and Sir Henry 'Tim' Birkin would race and set world records.
Cars that made a name for themselves racing around this track include Bentley, Delage, Napier and Bugatti. 

Sir Malcom Campbell 


Sir Henry 'Tim' Birkin


Delage


Bugatti


Napier


The finest mechanics in the country were also on hand to fix and and tend to these cars. Brooklands motor racing ended in 1939 at the outbreak of World War 2. A section of the track was built on and to this day the track remains incomplete. It remained a pioneering aviation centre until 1987 when British Aerospace ceased aircraft production there.
The Brooklands Museum Trust was formed to keep alive the spirit and traditions of Brooklands. 
Today the Brooklands Museum has a good collection of cars and other exhibits that cover the circuits history. The buildings and cars look amazing. It is a great day out especially if they are hosting an event.
There is much more than just the car museum, Brooklands has a fantastic aviation museum and Concorde exhibit and there is also a public transport Museum.
If you like cars and the history of Motorsport or aviation and public transport then you need to visit.
Below is a link to the website and more photos. 
http://www.brooklandsmuseum.com







































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