Editorial Notes, July 1924

In introducing a new journal, it is usual to commence with a word of apology. We feel that very little apology is called for in respect of the appearance of this publication. We are confident that THE BROOKLANDS GAZETTE Will make its own appeal to many thousands of keen motorists. This journal is not merely “another motoring paper” added to the several which already seek public support. It is something entirely new, and something which we are convinced has been very much wanted. It regards motoring from a new angle; it seeks to meet to the full the requirements of those whose chief interests are in the sporting and competition side of the movement.

We have more than our own conviction to encourage us in thinking that a definitely sporting motoring journal is very much wanted. Before embarking upon the very substantial task of producing this journal, we took opinions from those whose views will always inspire respect from all sections of the motoring public and trade. The result of our enquiries was more than approval for this venture: it may be said that the proposal of THE BROOKLANDS GAZETTE was received with a burst of enthusiasm.

With due modesty we would claim to meet far more than “a long felt want.” We are confident that with the support of a large circle of readers and the benediction of those who control motoring sport and the motor industry, this journal is going to widely extend the general appreciation of motoring. Motor racing and competitions in general are the life blood of motoring evolution. The motor car and the motor cycle of today are largely the excellent productions motorists know them to be, in virtue of the refining influence of strenuous competitions. By concentrating our main attention upon such competitions, and thus helping to foster and develop them on sane and practical lines, we hope to do more than provide fine sport for those who participate in competitive motoring, and trust that we shall be serving in no small measure the larger cause of the improvement of motor vehicles to the benefit of multitudes who would themselves never enter for a motoring competition.

It may be said that other motoring journals have done this in the past. They have, and all glory to them. But in these advanced days there are new ways of looking at things, and we hope to present to the motoring public something quite fresh and original in motoring journalism. Although we hold our vocation in the encouragement of the industry and the evolution of motor vehicles in no low esteem, our first duties will be to interest, instruct and help our readers. We trust they will find from this first number that we do not fail in these particulars.

Amongst the contributors to the present issue, are those whose opinions carry great weight in the widely varied aspects of motoring with which they deal. It is our intention to present in subsequent numbers, similarly authoritative views on all that affects our readers’ interests. But we would emphasize, in saying this, that THE BROOKLANDS GAZETTE will be far more than a compendium of knowledge on motoring sport. It will be essentially a newspaper.

Current sporting events in this country and abroad will be regularly reported, reviewed and illustrated, and the journal will provide a faithful mirror of all that is happening in the realms of motoring sport and development. The belief that these important sides of motoring have not hitherto been catered for in the manner they deserve, is our chief inspiration in launching this journal. Another important phase of our activities will be reviewing of new cars, accessories and equipment. This we shall do in all cases, only after personal trial of the products concerned, and our criticism of them will be entirely without fear or favour. THE BROOKLANDS GAZETTE will, also, provide a platform upon which everything of interest to keen motorists can be freely discussed as amongst our readers.

Space will be reserved in each issue for the publication of notes about the motoring clubs and other organisations, both large and small, and in this connection we venture to think that provincial and overseas motoring will thus have better publicity facilities than has hitherto been accorded it. We have here touched upon but one or two activities to which we shall address ourselves. We trust that THE BROOKLANDS GAZETTE, following upon the favourable reception it is assured, will show consistent improvement as time goes on.

There is just one more point we should like to touch upon in these preliminary notes. It should be explained that THE BROOKLANDS GAZETTE is an entirely spontaneous and disattached enterprise. This journal is not published under the auspices of the proprietor of Brooklands Track, of the Brooklands Automobile Racing Club, or of any other public body. The fact that it has the official benediction of the B.A.R.C. and the enthusiastic approval of the majority of its members, is doubtless an additional augury for its success, and is certainly one of the encouragements which we most appreciate. But let it be remembered that THE BROOKLANDS GAZETTE is not an official B.A.R.C. publication. It is free to praise and to blame anybody, even the august body that holds court at Chronograph Villa !

It will, of course, be understood, that the attentions of this journal will not be confined to events at the Weybridge track. It will deal in record, in picture and in criticism, with motoring activities on road and track, on water and in air everywhere. It is named THE BROOKLANDS GAZETTE because the word Brooklands is synonymous with motoring sport, wherever it is held. Although it is not everything we should like it to be, Brooklands Track was certainly to a large extent the cradle of motoring sport in this country.

By the manner in which events at the Weybridge course have contributed to the general development of motor cars and motor cycles, and, indeed, of the internal combustion engine as applied to many other uses, the word Brooklands has a world-wide significance. We trust that THE BROOKLANDS GAZETTE will commend itself to all sporting motorists, as having no less a vocation.