The new Brooklands circuit

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Introduction

Brooklands is definitely my favourite motorsport site, because it is the first purpose-built circuit in the history and it lies in the country of motorsport.

I always found absurd the decision of abandoning it at the end of World War II, or better, I considered it rational but wrong. It was near the city and in quite bad conditions, but Monza too was almost destroyed and situated within a historical park. Nevertheless, in Italy, after the war, although there were enormous problems, Monza has been rebuilt. And F1 runs still there…

I find even more absurd that the Campbell circuit was almost intact until the ‘80s and that nobody thought about restoration.

The DaimlerChrysler plan

Therefore, I welcomed the news of the DaimlerChrysler project about a possible re-opening of the Campbell circuit.

Unfortunately, the reality isn’t so rosy…

In fact, the project of DaimlerChrysler, even if praiseworthy, provides only a short test track, which uses part of the Campbell (see the picture beside).

The proposal

On the other hand, from the aerial photos of the land that DaimlerChrysler bought I made some interesting reflections:

- Unfortunately, the zone of the start-finish line of the Campbell circuit has been completely urbanized (last year only!)

- DaimlerChrysler bought enough land to make possible a very interesting project. In fact, putting together the DaimlerChrysler’s land with the land managed by the Brooklands Society, with the purchase of few other real estates (offices of the Gallaher Tobaccos?), the building of a wonderful circuit would be possible.

I took the liberty to make a hypothesis of a track, which looks quite charming to me (see the picture beside). It is only an idea, a hint for further developments. For example, the yellow variant has the advantage that the museum would be within the circuit, but it is only a secondary matter.

It is important to specify that this proposal is not incompatible with DamlerChrysler’s one, but it is its natural extension. It can, therefore, be realized even later.

Advantages

The main advantages of such a circuit would be:

- Its shape recalls the original Brooklands circuit: it includes two long parts of the 1907 circuit and other two of the 1937 one. Therefore it would be a true Brooklands circuit!

- It would be a mix between Daytona and Albert Park, but much more charming… probably the most beautiful in the world!

- It allows a mixed use that would conciliate DaimlerChrysler, the residents and motorsport enthusiasts. In fact, the circuit may be used only three days per year for motorsport (one event per year as a temporary street circuit like Monaco, Pau or Macao). During the other days, it may be a test track for road cars (like DaimlerChrysler thinks to use its project). DaimlerChrysler should use the pits for its clients, and build all the other facilities: the park would be as great as the one provided for by its plan. The paddock would be also the access road and the car park for the public park, the DaimlerChrysler’s facilities, and the museums … There would be a wide area available for concerts, sport events, historic rallies … The press room and the hospitalities would also be available for meetings…

Problems

There would certainly be negative sides:

- High costs: DaimlerChrysler could organize one only motorsport event. The only name of Brooklands would surely make it one of the five greatest events in the world (like Le Mans, Indianapolis, Monaco GP…), independently of the category (F1, CART, sportscars or even touring cars). It would give a great economic return and an undisputed prestige.

- Residents’ opinion: they would be bothered few days each year, but they would have a great economic return and large facilities for public use. Consider this, Imola circuit is almost in the centre of the town, but nobody complains if only they maintain the GP! Not to mention the inconveniences of Le Mans residents.

- Parking areas during the motorsport event: it can be solved like in the other street circuits. In any case, the railway is near the circuit and this is an ideal situation.

Conclusions

I hope that this proposal can be brought to the attention of the public.

I know that I can’t change reality, but at least I can say my idea. Some years ago the banked curves of Monza were to be demolished. An Englishman made a petition through Internet to save them. This petition caused a great deal of comment in Italy, and the curves are still there…

Then, if this proposal has thrilled you, please sign the following petition and spread the rumour through the web!

SIGN THE PETITION

I must thank all the people that have already voiced their support to the initiative, being them a single fan or an entire club. They are much more numerous than I ever dared to expect. In the other pages you can read a survey of the comments expressed so far. I hope that this site can bring them to the attention of the right people…

There are already the first reactions from the interested parts and the press …

Roberto Torresin

In memory of my father

Proposed plan