William, 6^th Duke of Portland had a keen interest in motoring. In 1900 the Automobile Club organised a 1,000 mile trial. The Duke made available the private straight mile section of Clipstone Drive (from New Mill Lane to Cavendish Lodge) for speed trials, as part of the Nottingham to Sheffield leg.

Clipstone Drive became a popular venue for racing events. After some straightening work, the Automobile Club adopted the site for speed trial and braking power tests. In 1902 Charles Tarrot with special permission from the Duke made an attempt on the world speed record over a kilometre in 70hp Panchard. He made 5 runs over the ‘flying kilometre exceeding the record on three of them.

The drive was tarmaced when Clipstone Army Camp was built in 1914. After the war it become a venue for motorcycle speed trials. At one event in 1923, George Brough, a prominent designer, manufacturer, and racer was riding his famous SS88 in the standing start half mile. He was doing 110 m.p.h when the front tyre burst, George crossed the line in a cloud of dust and stones a few lengths behind the bike. In May 1924, in front of a crowd of 12,000 to 15,000 with 200 vehicles, world famous riders raced. The highlight of the day was the 111.1 m.p.h achieved by Bert Le Vack, 8 miles faster than previous timed record for a British road.

Brough Machines continued to be tested at Clipstone -

‘Every SS100 will be dispatched with a written guarantee signed by the maker, that the machines has actually been timed over 100 miles per hour for a quarter of a mile. A private road (Clipstone Drive) one and three quarter mile long has been kindly offered to the manufacturer for the purpose.’

After passing through several hands, George Brough’s famous bike ‘Old Bill’ had been bomb damaged in Kensington during the war. It was restored to celebrate the anniversary of the British Motorcycling Club. The photo shows George riding the famous bike for the last time along the historic drive in 1959.

Brough Superior links

http://www.coffinman.co.uk/history_of_brough_superior_motorcycles.htm

http://www.realclassic.co.uk/bruff03090900.html

http://www.bikerlifestyle.co.uk/features/bikes/brough/superior.htm