Words and Photos by Sue Whyte (For hi res copies or to contact Sue please click here)

The restored Finishing Straight at Brooklands was officially opened by Lord March on Saturday 17th June 2017. It was exactly 110 years ago to the day since the original opening parade which was recreated  by Historic Brooklands cars thundering up the Finishing Straight.The scissors used by Lord March to cut he ribbon were the same ones used 110 years ago on the original opening parade. It was an historic and emotional occasion to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the £8 million ‘Brooklands Aircraft Factory and Race Track Revival Project’ The Brooklands Double Twelve Motorsport Festival continued through the weekend.

Organised in association with the Vintage Sports-Car Club, the Brooklands Double Twelve event is always held on the weekend closest to the Anniversary of the original opening of the Brooklands race track on June 17th 1907. The two-day festival featured Speed Trials, Driving Tests, the prestigious Double Twelve Concours and Test Hill ascents as well as the official re-opening of the historic Brooklands Finishing Straight.

The Double Twelve is the biggest event staged by Brooklands Museum and an important event on the enthusiasts calendar.  The ‘Double Twelve’ came about because 24 hour racing was prohibited due to noise restrictions at Brooklands. As a result the event was divided into two daylight sessions and the cars were locked up overnight.

On Saturday morning the action moved over to the Mercedes Benz World Handling Circuit for the Brooklands Museum and Vintage Sports Car Club Double Twelve Speed Trials practice and competitive runs.
The Double Twelve Driving Tests allow drivers to test their skills on the historical Brooklands Banking and in the Paddock.

In addition to the main competitions, the Test Hill Challenge took place on Sunday. On Saturday morning the action moved over to the Mercedes Benz World Handling Circuit for the Brooklands Museum and Vintage Sports Car Club Double Twelve Speed Trials practice and competitive runs. The Double Twelve Driving Tests allow drivers to test their skills on the historical Brooklands Banking and in the Paddock.  In addition to the main competitions, the Test Hill Challenge took place on Sunday.