The Brooklands Motorcycle Show - A Resounding Success
11 July 2016
The theme of the Brooklands Motorcycle Show on the 3rd July was “Then and Now”, with pre-War racing machines lined up with 2016 road models on Test Hill.
For a first-time event, the Show was a success with 2,500 visitors and 674 bikes ridden in (and that did not include the exhibition machines). Nine dealers and motorcycle companies took stands and reported a lot of interest.
Guest celebrity rider, Steve Parrish rode a variety of bikes up Test Hill, including the first public show appearance of the immaculate Earle Cotton JAP restored by members of the Brooklands Motorcycle Team. Long-time Brooklands supporter, Sheelagh Neal made full-blooded ascents on her Triumph “Thunderbird” racing sidecar outfit and even persuaded Steve Parrish to occupy the “chair” for one run. Several members of the Motorcycle Team rode bikes from the Museum collection and many of our regular “outside” riders brought their racers to add to the happy noise.
Among the wonderful array of Club bikes, there were the usual huge, glittering Harleys and, for a change, some 2016 Indians in stunning colour schemes. Surrey Triumph Owners and Surrey Norton Owners had large contingents. Carl Wadkin-Snaith brought his own beautifully engineered re-creation of a Brooklands Outer Circuit racer which he had built from scratch, the only proprietary parts being the piston and crankshaft. It was due for its first ever engine run, but the Brooklands gremlins prevented that …. another time, Carl!
A lot of interesting bikes, a lot of interested visitors and a lot of exciting noise and a sunny day. The ingredients all came together nicely and the Brooklands Motorcycle Show proved that it could become an annual event.
