Happy Birthday Brooklands

HM-CTT1908 05/08/2014 | 0

The world’s first motor racing circuit, Brooklands, recently celebrated its 90th anniversary and MG owners helped celebrate this famous birthday. Gathering on 13th April, hundreds of examples of the octagon marque met on the famous old Banking, most being treated to a drive up Test Hill on arrival. Test Hill was constructed in 1909 for acceleration and braking tests, many of the older cars still finding it a daunting task to reach the summit. Although many of the cars present were built long after the Track closed at the outset of the Second World War, Brooklands does have close associations with the pre-war MGs. For example, the M-Types first started to race here in 1929, proving very adept on this high-banked curved circuit. On display at this MG mega gathering was the original MG Midget (kindly loaned by Rivers Fletcher and Elizabeth Wigg) that actually raced in the 1930 Double Twelve race winning the Team prize. Many other notable MGs were on show, providing a fascinating display for fellow owners and enthusiasts to browse amongst as well as just enjoying the sheer numbers of MGs parked together in one place. Visitors also enjoyed the museum displays that Brooklands has on offer, these displays always growing in scope and depth annually as the work to improve and enlarge the facilities never ceases. Warm sunshine encouraged the emergence of the inaugural picnic, the wicker baskets perched on the back of many cars bearing witness. A delightful, relaxed day enjoyed by all who attended and for most, the first outdoor social gathering on the MG calendar.

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