The track that continues to attract

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Brooklands Motorcycle Day was held on June 30, drawing an eclectic collection of superb machines to the Surrey speedbowl.

It is now 80 years since the last race was held over the fabled Outer Circuit but Brooklands loses none of its appeal.

As the sun and temperature rose, a turn-out of bikes gradually filled the motorcycle parking area at the top of the finishing straight where it joins the Members’ Banking.

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Spread around the paddock area was a mix of displays, trade and club stands.

Among the clubs, BMCRC, an organisation that can trace its roots to the days of organising race meetings at Brooklands, had a large display featuring a variety of racing machinery that sees regular action in the club’s events.

Out in force was the Surrey Branch of the Norton Owners Club, which has a well-supported and busy calendar.

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Classic Brooklands scene with the backdrop of the Membersโ€™ Banking. Riders await the challenge of Test Hill.

Owners had brought along an impressive line of Commandos, but the front rank of the display was a line of camshaft singles, the type of machinery that kept the Bracebridge Street manufacturer among the top of performers, especially at Brooklands.

Barry Stickland’s cammy was an interesting example.

When Norton refused to sell Manx engines to car racers, they were obliged to buy complete bikes.

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Francis Beart was happy to see the rolling chassis of this very early Featherbed vanish, loaded onto a potato lorry on which the Fenland buyer came to collect it!

Last minute clutch troubles stopped Mark Loxley riding this quasi-American-style V-twin race bike.

Back home at Upwell, near Wisbech, he fitted the engine from his earlier bike.

After a race career, the bike was sold on and registered for the road.

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Years later, Barry secured it, as well as copy of a local history book that documented the bike’s history. It’s rare that provenance is that good!

Read more and view more images in the September 2019 issue of TCM โ€“ on sale now!


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