Brooklands - How do you celebrate the centenary of the opening of the first purpose built motor racing circuit in the world, a place where many of the basic rules of motor sport were established and which went on to become a centre for both motor manufacturing and aircraft construction? Have a party of course!
And what a party! Held over two days with the largest collection of pre war machines every assembled in Britain, including cars which were at the official opening at 2pm on 17th June 1907, as well as the latest sports cars and racing cars.
But there was more than just cars - there were bikes to mark the history of bike racing at the circuit and planes to provide the link with sites flying history. And for those not interested in the machines, there were stalls selling all sorts and a fun fair too.
"The sound of the 2006 McLaren Formula One car, it was so loud!"was the high spot of the day for my nine year old son and his younger sister enjoyed the vintage cars most "they were so different, they looked so funny".
Racing stopped at Brooklands at the start of the Second World War and never restarted. Today, much of the original circuit has disappeared under a mixture of housing, retail and commercial developments but this didn’t stop a parade of cars from picking their way round the remaining sections steeply banked track exactly 100 years after its original opening.
Today Brooklands is home to the Brooklands Museum which is home to a marvellous collection of cars, bikes and planes including an original Concorde that was partly developed at the site.
In 2006, Mercedes-Benz World opened - part huge car show rooms, part museum and part test track thus providing a perfect venue for the cars and bikes at the party to show off what they do best - go fast!
Ian Ackerley