Brooklands: World's oldest racetrack being saved by lottery funds
Brooklands, built in 1907, is the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit. Located in Surrey, England, it was also an aerodrome, and today is home to the Brooklands Museum.
Yet on Wednesday it emerged that - according to ClassicandSportsCar.com - a $7.2 million investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund is being given to the museum, which will be used to begin its “Brooklands Aircraft Factory & Race Track Revival Project,” which includes bringing part of the old racetrack back to life and rebuilding its main airport hangar.
The 2.75-mile circuit was closed in 1939 at the outbreak of the Second World War and has since slowly decayed and deteriorated throughout the years. Hopefully now, however, not only will we see the return of the racing surface, but also a few cars screaming around the historic banks.
Commencement of excavations for the building of Brooklands race track in October 1906.