Bert Denley at Brooklands, 1924

 

 

Bert Denley sits on his 1924 Norton 18 at Brooklands motor circuit. I believe this photo was taken someplace near the Home Banking. This is not taken during the International Isle of Man TT (tourist trophy) Race as it is usually captioned.

 

 

 Original photo

 

Brooklands motor circuit, Surrey, England was opened in 1907. It was the first purpose-built motorsports facility in the world. I operated as a raceway from 1907 to 1914 then 1920 to 1939, it was closed during World War I. The track was built from of uncoated concrete, asphalt was to expensive and laying tarmacadam on banking was too complex. This construction method caused the track to become bumpy and uneven over time, probably making for some exciting racing.

 

 

 

 

 

Banked corner looking west from the Members' Bridge.








         



Aerial view of Brooklands today. It is primarily a manufacturing center. You can clearly see the remains of the original track.

 

 

 

The first manufacturer to locate here was Vickers Aviation Ltd. in 1915.

Today remaining parts of the original track and some buildings are protected and under conservation.

If you are ever in that part of England I suggest a visit to the Brooklands Museum.