Inside the unrecognisable iconic racetrack that hosted first ever British Grand Prix that was bombed during war
THE racetrack which hosted the first ever British Grand Prix is now virtually unrecognisable.
Having been bombed during the Second World War, the track never re-opened for racing once the conflict ended.
It was used by the military during both World Wars after first opening in 1907 as the first racetrack of its kind.
Brooklands Racetrack looks unrecognisable over a century on.
The track, which is located in Weybridge, Surrey, was the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit.
With a unique design, the circuit had a 30-foot-high, banked-corner made of unreinforced concrete – which meant it required continual repairs.
Brooklands’ look even predated the iconic Indianapolis Speedway circuit.
In order to ensure safety at high speed the track was an incredible 100ft wide.
After less than a decade in operation, the track closed during World War I and was claimed by the War Office.
During that time, it became a major location for military aircraft construction, with the aerodrome built in 1909 used as a flying training centre.
Once the war ended, racing resumed on the track in 1920 after required track repairs had been carried out.
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The first-ever British Grand Prix was held at the circuit in 1926, with sand chicanes and a finishing straight constructed.
Racing would be forced to stop for good with the outbreak of World War II, with the final meeting held less than a month before the war started in 1939.
The aerodrome was again used to produce military aircraft and continued to be so throughout the 1940s.
Bombs also landed on the track during the conflict.
Nowadays, grass can be seen pushing through Brooklands’ remaining features with the track surrounded by trees.
The iconic banked-corners can still be seen.
It is among the highlights for anyone visiting Brooklands Museum where patrons are promised they can “re-live the thrills and glamour of speed and flight, from over 100 years of great British history.”