Brooklands closed for war

The world’s first purpose-built motor race circuit closed on the outbreak of war in September 1939.  Nobody could imagine 75 years ago that it would never reopen for sports car racing.  Nor that it would become even more famous as the birthplace for some of the most famous air transport aircraft in the second half of the 20th century.  Brooklands was where Concorde was conceived.

On 13 July the Weybridge site will celebrate this unique anniversary with a Reunion which aims to recapture the spirit of a race-day in the track’s 1930s heyday.  Hundreds of pre-war vehicles – including many of the cars and motorcycles which raced at the track between 1907 and 1939 – will feature in displays and demonstrations, while social features of the age – ranging from the Members’ Dining Room in the Clubhouse to “bookies” plying their trade in the Paddock – will add to the flavour of the day.

Activities will include demonstrations up the steep Test Hill with sessions for cars, motorcycles and cycles.  There will also be a cavalcade of cars on the circuit at neighbouring Mercedes-Benz World and selected aero engines of the era will be run during the day. 

A recommended day out for young and old.  www.brooklandsmuseum.com

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