The Brooklands Reunion - 13th July 2014
Brooklands brings its Glorious Past back to Life for a Special Day
One of the most evocative days in Brooklands Museum’s 2014 calendar will be 13th July, when the Museum marks 75 years since the World’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit closed for good, at the outbreak of World War 2 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.
In the 75 years since 1939, Brooklands has seen tremendous changes in its landscape, suffered from German bombing raids and played a major part in the supersonic age through its unparalleled record of aircraft testing and manufacture.
The last thirty years or so have been kinder to Brooklands: building on efforts by the Brooklands Society to save the track, a dedicated army of volunteers, trustees and staff have worked hard to develop the magnificent Brooklands Museum, on a 32 acre site within the original circuit in Weybridge, Surrey so that it is a destination not only for those interested in classic motoring, aviation, cycling and industrial heritage, but also schoolchildren studying motoring, aviation and global history and families seeking a good day out.
The Brooklands Reunion is one of the very few days during the year when the whole site will be taken back to the pre-War era with actual cars, motorcycles and bicycles that raced there from 1907-1939 attending and in action at various times during the day. Other pre-War vehicles of all types will fill the roles of spectators’ vehicles and these will be parked around the site, just as they would have on a race day. To add to the atmosphere there will be ‘bookies’ pitches in the Paddock selling raffle tickets, and a programme in the form of a race card for the day.
As well as the racing itself, Brooklands was one of the most popular social destinations for high society in the glamorous heyday 1920s and ‘30s Britain, so everyone attending is encouraged to wear appropriate vintage attire to add to the atmosphere!
Activities will include demonstrations up the steep Test Hill with sessions for cars, motorcycles and cycles (and perhaps one session invoking the spirit of the JCC Trials of the late 1920s when vehicles will be brought down the Hill). Classes of cars will form up in ‘grids’ before being sent off up the Finishing Straight, turning right under Members’ Bridge and disappearing from view. 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.
One of the highlights of the proceedings will be the appearance of the Sunbeam 350hp, recently started up at Beaulieu for the first time in 50 years after an extensive mechanical rebuild. The Sunbeam was the last car to set an outright World Land Speed Record on a closed circuit, when K Lee Guinness drove it to a two-way speed of 133.7mph at Brooklands on 17th May 1922. It then became one of Sir Malcolm Campbell’s World Land Speed record breakers, and set a record of 146.16mph in 1924 at Pendine Sands.
Entry forms for pre-War vehicles to attend this very special event are available on the Museum website with further information available from the Events team on 01932 857381 Extension 244 or 253.
For press and media enquiries, images and more details, contact Paul Stewart - Marketing and
PR Manager on 01932 857381 ext 249 or e-mail:
[email protected]
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