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| Beyond the more obvious attractions at Brooklands stands one of the most authentic pieces of Britain’s sporting heritage – what remains of the original 1907 track, the first purpose-built motor racing circuit in the world. This is now officially an ancient monument. It is an eerie experience to actually walk where record-breakers like Sir Malcolm Campbell and John Cobb drove, close to what was called Members Banking. That rises up by 29 feet (8.8m) and signs rightly warn that is steep and slippery, and barriers stop unauthorised cars. Inside the original Edwardian clubhouse and more modern buildings there is the story of its construction. It was industrialist Hugh Locke-King’s idea and his wife’s Siddeley called Daisy was the first to be driven on the circuit and is one of the many vintage cars on show. Changing fortunes Brooklands was a top-notch course and thousands watched sport in its heyday before war-time needs and Hitler’s bombers killed it off as a motor-racing venue. But it was also a place to be seen and be part of the summer ‘season’ and there are nice period touches – with piped music of the era and authentic kitchen essentials on show and even spam fritters on the menu at the Sunbeam Café. Inside the clubhouse you can see the Clerk of the Course’s office and find out about pioneering women drivers like ‘Flying Fay’ Taylor and Elsie ‘Bill’ Wisdom. A Grand Prix exhibition includes the chance to have a simulated ride in a McLaren. sportcloseup’s verdict: gem of a museum on historic site for sport - combine with a visit to neighbouring Mercedes-Benz World. ____________________________________________________________ Brooklands is far from just a piece of our sporting heritage or a motorsport museum. Air races started here and exhibits include a 1908 biplane and a Wellington bomber. You can pay extra to take part in the Concorde Experience – the plane was partly developed on the site. The circuit was primarily for motor-racing but it was also used for racing motor-bikes - and cycling. The Museum tells that story too with exhibits about Raleigh bikes and world champion and 1948 Olympic medallist Reg Harris. The Indianapolis 500 track was built soon after Brooklands and that is covered too. |
