AND FINALLY: Motor racing still happens at Brooklands

It may have officially closed due to the outbreak of war in 1939, but racing and other forms of competition still take place on the site of the world’s first purpose-built motor-racing circuit.
 
Or sort of!
 
In fact the challenging demonstration circuit at Mercedes Benz World is actually licensed to Brooklands Museum for competition purposes (see ON TOUR in this issue).  In spite of its Formula One success (or perhaps because of) the splendid Mercedes emporium isn’t allowed under planning regulations to run any racing or competition on its track, so the Motor Sport Association Track Licence is held by the Museum.  It was therefore able to host a splendid charity Kart race in support of the Henry Surtees Foundation and the Museum!
 
For practical purposes it does not matter, and if the Karts are too fast (and they’re only on the circuit once a year) you can try the cross country course,  also at Mercedes-Benz World, or just the plain ‘experience’ of blasting round the modern track in a Mercedes AMG...
 
And whilst we are plugging Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands, pilot-minded readers might like to know that the 500m grass airstrip is just about to be resurfaced (and about time too a flyer friend says) so it can be used for vintage aircraft fly-ins.  We have to ask if the Polish jet (see this issue) will make it, although not vintage.  Impresario (Museum Director) Allan Winn has been known to make and break his own rules..

Sharing a common car park both are attractive outings during the school holidays and very close by the M3/M25.  If you don’t like planes there are cars (from Smart car to F1).  And buses.  And bicycles too.
www.brooklandsmuseum.com
www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk

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