Brooklands was constructed at Weybridge, Surrey, by wealthy landowner Hugh Locke King in 1907. Brooklands was the first purpose built motor racing circuit in the world. This great 'wonder of the 20th century' very soon became much more than that; not only the birthplace of British motorsport but also of British aviation.
The heyday of the racing circuit was undoubtedly the 1920s and 1930s when record times were being set and broken by Malcolm Campbell, John Cobb and others in such magnificently crafted machines as Napier, Delage, Panhard, Bentley and Bugatti.
Motorcycles and pedal cycles too had their devotees and many records were established on the Track. Brooklands was a very fashionable place to be seen and became known as 'the Ascot of Motorsport'. It was at Brooklands that A.V. Roe made the first flight in a British-built aeroplane in1908; here that Tommy Sopwith developed and flew his Sopwith Pup and Camel; and here that the Hawker Hurricane fighter and Vickers Wellington bomber were built in World War Two. The post war years were distinguished by the achievements of the Vickers factory which produced a successful family of airliners including the Viscount and VC10 and contributed to the design and manufacture of Concorde.
The Brooklands Museum resides in the centre of what used to be a three and a half mile racing circuit, which closed in the late 1930's. Brooklands is situated on Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey, just 20 miles from central London and is easy to find being only 10 minutes from junction 11 Chertsey of the M25 or at the Cobham exit of the A3.
Once inside the 30 acre Museum site it will be the famous Paddock and green domed Edwardian Clubhouse that first attracts your interest. It is here that you will be able to see a display of all the Marques of Midgets and Sprites featuring some famous and unusual ones too.
Pride of Ownership
To the left of the Paddock will be the Pride of Ownership Contest where we hope that any proud owner of a Midget or Sprite will enter their car. Entry numbers to the Pride of Ownership will be given out at the gate.
Treasure Hunt
There is plenty of time to wander along the steep Members Banking and see all of the Midgets and Sprites that have come along to celebrate the biggest gathering of Midgets and Sprites ever. The Members Banking rises to a height of nearly 29ft and was the steepest and most dramatic part of the 100 ft wide1907 Outer Circuit ( by the time it closed three distinct circuits had been developed at Brooklands). You may, if you wish take part in the treasure hunt that will help you find out more about the Museum and it's history and Midgets and Sprites!
Gymkhana
A gymkhana will be taking place close by the Members Banking where we hope that many of you will compete for first prize and give some great entertainment to spectators when you put these fantastic Midgets and Sprites
through their paces.
Test Hill
In the afternoon we will invite selected cars to race up test hill and demonstrate their ability to cope with a 1:3 gradient.
Refreshments
At whatever point you need a break the comfortable Sunbeam Tea Rooms will also be serving snacks and light lunches.
Museum
Step inside the Museum and head for the Sony Cinema where an introductory video gives you your first real taste of the 'Spirit of Brooklands'.
Then visit the Motoring Village, Wellington Hangar, Brooklands designed and built aircraft, and the cars and bikes that raced on the great banked Circuit all await your attention.
There are recreated workshops, vignettes of social history and dramatic archive film which will transport you back amongst the heroes and heroines, drivers, mechanics and aviators that made Brooklands the first 20th Century 'Wonder of the World.'
Opening times and entry costs
So make sure that you can come along and enjoy this great event and meet fellow enthusiasts of these wonderful little cars - Gates open 10.00am and Prize Giving will be at approximately 3.00pm, the Museum closes at 4.00pm.
Reduced Price for Members of the Midget & Sprite Club - £6.00 - pay on the gate.
Non members £7.00 - pay on the gate
Hopefully you will agree with us that Brooklands Musuem is the ideal location to bring all Midget and Sprite owners together.
Visit http://www.british-cars.org.uk/kimber/midgetspriteclub/brooklands2000.html for more information.
