The Byfleet end of Brooklands track is remarkably well preserved. This top photograph shows the stretch of track owned by Tesco and Marks & Spencer. 

It could do with some moss killer and it has a bit of scrub growing on it. The concrete is breaking up in places but it has to be said that it is in pretty good condition all things considered. Click on the photo to enlarge.

It will need work though if the fragmentation of the concrete is to be arrested but the underlying earth bank appears to be pretty sound. Tesco are very aware of the Brooklands presence with their coffee shop sporting an excellent collection of large Brooklands photographs featuring both motor racing and early aviation. 

At the far end of this stretch of track can be seen the gap which was cut through the banking a few years ago to allow a road for traffic to enter and exit the shopping complex. This shot looks back towards the end of the Railway Straight i.e. looking against the direction on which cars would have raced on most occasions.

Turning around now through 180° there is another gap. This is the main entrance into Tesco and the airfield section of Brooklands which was cut during world War II to enable the Wellington bombers to clear the lip of the banking when taking off.

Cross the road, walk a few yards and hey presto! More Brooklands banking, this time belonging to a Universities pension fund and it has to be said, in very good condition. It stretches for hundreds of metres until it runs into the end of a housing estate. Click on the photo to enlarge.

So there you have it - don't let anyone tell you that Brooklands is no more. Although a lot has gone, there is still a lot left and with a bit of work and some investment there is still a lot of heritage to be proud of.

If you want to help us to preserve Brooklands and to move on to our centenary which we hope will see a smaller but complete circuit back in operation, please click on one of the membership links and join us.

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