BROOKLANDS IMPROVEMENTS

II4IDS IMIDIQCVEAUNTS

During the annual members’ meeting of the B.A.R.C., A. Percy Bradley, clerk of the course, announced that H.M. King George VI had agreed to become patron of the Club. About the middle of December, work had begun on the new road-circuit, which was progressing well, and which is expected to be in use by May 1st. Thus Brooklands, which has been for twentynine years the centre of motor-racing sport and research in this country, will this year be able to offer road-circuit facilities to its clients and patrons. Useful as the great concrete course has been, undoubtedly the time has arrived when the additional hazards of a roadcircuit are highly desirable, both from the view-point of spectacular racing and satisfying driving, and from the increased scope thus offered to those in search of

experimental data. Preliminary plans of the new circuit showed the bends to be banked and this invited criticism in some *quarters, but those responsible have since asked for the opinions of practical persons in this matter, and there is every reason to suppose that true road conditions will be reproduced. A new stand is contemplated on the outer edge of the Members’ Banking. This seems an excellent position, and frontseat occupants should certainly get their

money’s worth. The Brooklands authorities can be relied on to look to the safety aspect, for at no course in the world are spectators better protected than at Brooklands to-day, and the time has gone when one might have deplored the loss of picturesque shrubbery where the stand will sit if it materialises.

The only possible criticism is that such a stand would not provide a direct view of starts or finishes, but, equally, a stand on the Railway Straight would only overlook the finishes of comparatively few races. It is proposed that 10 per cent. of entry fees shall be returned to membercompetitors at the close of each season, unless the amount exceeds their subscription, and that a cheaper subscription might come into force for those who do not require the ladies’ brooches.

The A eybridge is to be placed outside the club house and a new lounge added to that building. We also know of another new development which will interest all who have had a long association with the Weybridge track, but for the present our lips are sealed.

C. L. Barker asked that sports-cars be allowed to race with standard silencers, and was reminded of the Silencer Injunction. It is difficult to see how sportscars would be defined, and the only solution is to tack Brooklands official expansion boxes on to all racing engines.

Ordinary silencers, are, naturally, permitted for ordinary lappery.

A. L. Phillips suggested a special corn-. mittee to consider spectators’ protection.

in bad weather. Actually, the present. stands give theoretical accommodation. to 8,000 persons, but they are not covered. The erection of new stands is rendered difficult on account of the mum bet of circuit-variations in use at Brooklands, and the fact that those on the inside of the course must obstruct the view of certain groups of spectators.

Bookl ands’ spectators’ facilities have come in for a great deal of criticism, but under the new management, with more money available, it seems that matters. may be rectified, awl that the old Weybridge track may well continue to be they centre-point of British motor-racing. For 1937 the fixtures include :— February 27th.—J.C.C. Rally. March 29th.—B.A.R.C. Easter Meeting. May 1st.—Campbell Trophy Race. May 17th. —B.A.R.C. Whitsun Meeting. J une 26th.—L.C.C. Relay Race. July 3rd.— J .C.C. High-Speed Trials and Members’ Day. July 10th.—B.A.R.C. Meeting. August 2ud.—J.C.C. International Trophy Race. September 18th.—B.R.D.C. 500

Mile Outer-Circuit Race. September 25th .—M.C.C. Outer-Circuit High -Speed Trials and Members’ Day. October: 16th.—B.A.R.C, Autumn Meeting.