An all-star cast of cars gathered at Brooklands last weekend to mark the 100th anniversary of Britain's first grand prix, held at the race circuit there.
The pioneering event, organised by the Royal Automobile Club in August 1926, laid the foundations for grand prix racing in Britain and began a legacy of innovation, competition, and sporting excellence that continues to define the sport today.
“It’s a wonderful occasion and a very apt celebration to mark the 100 years of grand prix racing in Great Britain ,” said Alex Patterson, chief executive of Brooklands Museum.
“The Brooklands race in 1926 was fraught with danger and bravery, laying the foundation for Britain’s successful motorsport industry.
“Paying tribute to that watershed moment in time, this summer’s very special day features what’s certainly one of the biggest and most comprehensive collections of grand prix cars ever seen and, with many of those performing, it is a truly fitting tribute.”
When Brooklands opened in 1907 it was the world’s first purpose-built, banked motor racing circuit. With road racing banned on the British mainland, it quickly became the country’s motorsport capital, as well as home to equally intrepid early aviators. It was the natural venue for the Royal Automobile Club to stage Britain’s first official grand prix.
On Saturday, 7 August 1926, nine grand prix cars lined up before a vast crowd. Four hours later, victory went to the Delage 15-S-8 driven by French aces Louis Wagner and Robert Sénéchal, with Malcolm Campbell finishing second in his Bugatti 39A.
Although only three of the nine cars finished, the advent of grand prix racing in the UK was hailed as a great success.
Brooklands held a second Royal Automobile Club Grand Prix the following summer – again won by the then state-of-the-art Delage.
Out and About with Royer Slater, page 14
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