Surrey Days Out | Brooklands Museum, Weybridge
On 9 October 1926, Grand Prix motorcycle racing came to Brooklands for the first time. A century later, Brooklands Museum in Weybridge is celebrating the centenary of its “other Grand Prix”. Here are five things to know.
1. Just two months after Britain’s first Grand Prix
The motorcycle race took place just two months after the Royal Automobile Club staged Britain’s first car Grand Prix at the same circuit. Brooklands, which opened in 1907, was the world’s first purpose-built motor racing track.
2. A tricky, twisting course
The headline under-500cc race covered 43 laps and 50.3 miles, with chicanes and a hairpin at The Fork. That was a very different challenge from the high-speed banking of the famous Outer Circuit.
3. A dramatic day of racing
Only nine of 16 entrants started. Tommy Bullus won on a New Hudson prepared by record breaker Bert Le Vack, averaging 59.07mph. In the sidecar race, George Patchett recovered from a spark plug change to win his class. Earlier this year, Bullus’s granddaughter visited the museum to mark the anniversary.
4. Where legends began
Brooklands nurtured champion riders and launched the careers of motoring pioneers including W.O. Bentley. Riders tackled the notoriously bumpy track at lap speeds of 120mph or more, on machines with little or no suspension.
5. A brilliant Surrey day out
Surrey’s largest museum covers 32 acres, with racing cars and motorcycles, the award-winning Aircraft Factory, and the only Concorde with public access in the South East, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. It’s a great half-term trip for families.
Visit
Brooklands Museum
Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0SL
Nearest station: Weybridge