Berkshire's DANGEROUS and FORGOTTEN 1930s Race Circuit - Auclum Speed Hill Climb

[@davidioanhedges]

So a hill climb that doesn't have a hill to climb, on a banked circuit where it's quicker to not use the banks ... built by a Biscuit company owner ... this has to be one of the most British things I have seen this week ...

[@samuelgarrod8327]

Which isn't a circuit.

[@samholdsworth420]

​@@samuelgarrod8327it's eccentric

[@ronniehotdogs5686]

Yep, that's freedom kids.. May those days soon return 🙏

[@samholdsworth420]

@@ronniehotdogs5686 lol 😂

[@mortenpoulsen1496]

If that doesn't tickle my biscuits.😮

[@timbob7856]

Biscuits and race tracks... Now that's my cup of tea

[@andyrbush]

Argh lol

[@jasinere35]

pun intended dum dum tish

[@nigelh4617]

"Huntley & Palmer's Superior Reading Biscuits". For when one needs to get through some serious reading before bedtime. Best served with tea or cocoa.

[@AutoShenanigans]

Good joke 🤣

[@David_Crayford]

Or amphetamines. RAF WW2 emergency rations contained speed.

[@GeneralThargor]

Reading is a town, it's pronounced like reding, if that were a word.

[@chriswalford4161]

Do you mean Reading in Berk shire?

[@marieascot]

@@chriswalford4161 I'm in Berkshire. I guess that is why people call me a burk.

[@getreal7964]

Someone should so restore this, another priceless video Jon....

[@AutoShenanigans]

Cheers mate

[@750triton]

It ought to be listed too

[@xr6lad]

Yea. If I was an adjacent home owner with an open yard to the track I’d jump over the fence with a shovel and scrape the dirt and weeds off the surface that I could see from my garden. Make it look a bit more attractive . It might also make your house a bit more attractive as well.

[@ptonpc]

As soon as the property developers see it, the entire place would mysteriously catch fire (Wow, who know concrete, dirt and moss were to flammable, Honest guv, just ignore that smell of petrol) so it can be demolished and more over priced, under built housing could be slapped on it.

[@stephenyates962]

Wow! A new way of mentioning about the second small disagreement 😂

[@TheRealGeewizz]

I'm looking at my driveway in a new light and working out if I can push the fence posts over to provide a bit of banking on the bend.

[@petesmith2132]

I’m looking at my driveway too, but it’s only four metres long, so not much scope for twists and turns!

[@AutoShenanigans]

I reckon so. Post pics when its done.

[@DanielHarveyDyer]

​@@petesmith2132All the more opportunity to set a record for the UKs shortest racetrack.

[@robertkeddie]

If you're after an authentic dangerous driving experience, maybe you could just leave the fence posts where they are. 😉

[@roderickmain9697]

Wow. I knew nothing about that and I lived in the area in the 80s when it would still have been in a reasonable state. Well recorded Jon, before it vanishes for ever.

[@bethaltair812]

17 seconds! On a quarter mile with turns with 1940's brakes... They are braver than me.

[@BrianM0OAB]

Some modern cars struggle to do that in a straight line on a drag strip.

[@associatedblacksheepandmisfits]

I wonder if an unofficial race could still be run ,on quads even?😮😅

[@BrianM0OAB]

@@associatedblacksheepandmisfits Homemade go-karts would be more exciting, think of it as a powered soap box race from Redbull.

[@paulsengupta971]

17 seconds was in 1973 or so.

[@BrianM0OAB]

@@paulsengupta971 still bloody quick even for 1973

[@K61r]

Absolutely zero reason you could ever dislike this man. "Hi, straight into it, here's what the video is about" _sarcastic british explanation, which is actually funny to us brits for once_ "bu-bye" what a legend.

[@rileyuktv6426]

This warrants Grade 2 Listed status - great video!

[@peteryoung4957]

It amazes me just how much of this track that survives .

[@markiliff]

Your voice level and timbre don't change one jot between studio and outside scenes. That's amazing professionalism.

[@AutoShenanigans]

Cheers mate.

[@BlueEmulsion]

This video is the perfect present for Darryl Davies's 30th birthday; he loved visiting Burghfield Common as a youngster so will find this video a fine birthday surprise; thanks Auto Shenanigans 😊

[@davidartina5022]

I used to live in Burghfield common and had heard of the local hill climb but always was told it was man’s hill itself (the main road) which would make sense as it does climb a hill. Thanks for clearing that up. And before anyone moans at you it’s pronounced burr-field!

[@ovekarlsson777]

I just found a big similarity between the english and swedish languages. We both spell names of places in one way and then pronounce them in a totally different way, thus creating a topic for endless discussions. 😂

[@marieascot]

@@ovekarlsson777 My satnav got Reading and Burghfield incorrect when I visited it today for my channel.

[@linedwell]

Someone should buy that... Clear it all off, repair it all up and open it up to the local kids on their bikes. What an amazing track, they could pelt round that on their brand new Halfords £99 knacker knackerers.

[@VkmSpouge]

I was thinking it would make a great biking path if it were restored.

[@alecmd9366]

there's a sort of bmx park real close to it some kids dug out in the woods a couple decades ago, and a couple tracks leading out from it, they'd absolutely make good use of the addition

[@970357ers]

USA: Paved paradise and put up a parking lot. UK: Tore up a racetrack and put up a cul-de-sac.

[@leopoldbluesky]

I'm going to have that stuck in my head for the rest of the day now!

[@GeneralThargor]

Bravo sir!

[@izzieb]

That Gran Turismo music though.

[@Seansmit23]

I haven't played that game in years but I instantly knew that song😂

[@markeastwood74]

​@@Seansmit23Same here. Made me chuckle. 😂

[@Dan23_7]

I thought it sounded like supermarket shit music. I’ve never been into gaming

[@MattsBrabus]

What an absolute (Huntley and Palmers) Gem!

[@drobinson8080]

Another great one...we appreciate the effort and research that goes into these...

[@JonLeaky]

Nice to see a video on this! Iv walked it a few times. Iv told many locals about the abandoned race track and they all think I’m joking haha. It’s a real hidden gem and amazing how much of it survives

[@andy631]

Never heard of it, but now I have, every day is a school day, great, interesting and informative, thanks for that John.

[@2cvstan995]

Love this!! Don’t want to be “that guy” but does “circuit” and “lap” not imply a level of circularity (ie the end and start coincide)?!

[@AutoShenanigans]

Yeh but... whatevs

[@davidedwards4125]

@@AutoShenanigansas someone who does Speed Hillclimb racing it’s a Hill or course not a circuit, a run not a lap and a “hill record” not a lap records. But most of all, Thank you for another superb video, (Bad news I live in Cornwall and I bet this Sundays video is about the bit I live in so expect even more well meaning pedantry)

[@andywindy]

@@davidedwards4125 Not that you have any hills in Cornwall.....

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

I can’t believe that this disused racetrack sits 200 yards from the dentist I’ve used for over 20 years! 😮

[@AutoShenanigans]

You can go for a little wander next time you get a root canal 🤷

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

@ 😳😷😂🤣

[@twocvbloke]

I bet the tomatoes and cucumbers were a delight in that greenhouse, "Now with added essence of motor car and driver leakage!!!"... :P

[@nickswales23]

Your knowledge about all things automotive just keeps on giving. From someone who does around 45k miles a year nationally, I often come across places you have visited and admire (or not) them more. Thanks for reading!👋

[@philhawley1219]

Roy Lane was a tremendous hill climb driver who absolutely dominated the sport from the 1970's until he retired in the early part of this century.

[@loddude5706]

'I know, we're silly rich & we're English, let's build a racetrack in Daddy's front garden' . . . "Spiffing wheeze!" : )

[@vincentwalsh2480]

Great video! I love your research and your presentation! I really look forward to seeing your videos come up on my feed.

[@AutoShenanigans]

Cheers mate

[@dominanthornet]

Brilliant Jon. I love stuff like this. Such a shame and wish it can get preserved in some way.

[@terry6131]

Can't beat a good bank on a deserted path

[@supereriksen]

Looks like a good place for a bank holiday

[@WagnerGimenes]

Great find there, Jon.

[@SkullBanker-68]

1920's and the 1930's ,so full of promise ,little did they know.

[@redboyjan]

2020s...

[@charliemansonUK]

Ahhh, the eccentricities of the affluent Gentlemen of times long gone! It's what made us British, you know, old chap.

[@hearingthesmells2500]

Splendiferous video once again…… That’s why I used the button that is specifically used for liking it!!!!!!!

[@adamluther4950]

Love the old gran turismo music in the background. Another amazing thing from the past. Keep up the good work!

[@daveollie6238]

Love these old stories about forgotten roads. We recently went to a hill climb that was revived about a 50 year closure. It was all about the fun of driving. Great stuff.

[@bendrummond3063]

C'mon over to Northern Ireland sometime John and do a video of the old Delorean test track and the Antrim coast road 👌🏻

[@AutoShenanigans]

I've seen photos.. looks like a cool place

[@bendrummond3063]

​@@AutoShenanigansthere is an impreza there to take you wherever you need to go buddy 👍

[@AutoShenanigans]

@bendrummond3063 ooo... I've had a couple of those. Good cars.

[@shandyholliday]

What a great episode. Well researched.

[@dilwyn1]

@John ... Nice one, a very interesting potted history and thanks to you not "Forgotten for ever" now logged in the archives of You Tube.

[@DelticFilm]

"potted", any reference to the greenhouse?

[@dilwyn1]

@@DelticFilm Well spotted, never thought of that connection

[@dublodad7367]

Thanks for this video, I have lived in the vicinity of the track since 1988 and about that time cycled along the track with my then 10 year old son, in the reverse direction. At that time I was unaware of what it was, that information came to me in the early 2000's!!! I pass the gate in Mans Hill frequently every week. Good to know the history.

[@spadgebump]

I used a button specifically designed to like this video. Cos it's great and I did like it.

[@davidandrew7314]

Can't express how much I appreciate the Gran Turismo tunes you always put in your videos.

[@bobspeller2225]

That's a great story and video. Thanks John. all the best Bob

[@andyalder7910]

Just about far enough from AWE to fly your drone there but not surprised you used map view instead.

[@AutoShenanigans]

Annoyingly it was too over grown and the drone just showed tree tops 🤣

[@tweaker1968]

Love that shrug at "7 foot".... Keep it up Jon

[@homeland417]

Brilliant thanks for your work I really enjoyed this episode 👍

[@tims9434]

Thanks Jon. Great video

[@AutoShenanigans]

Cheers mate

[@ianstewartorr8455]

The video takes the biscuit ha ha I love your videos greetings from Scotland 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@1_5RCBiker]

You need a colab with Circuits of the past. :)

[@robertwilloughby8050]

Yes, but don't send Jon to Rouen. His head would explode with how dangerous it was/is.

[@terryhooton]

totally excellent content excellent videos keep up the great work

[@EngineerLewis]

I trained in Reading University and my Grandma played behind the Huntley and Palmer factory in reading but I was not aware of this race circuit! Thanks for sharing! 👍🏎

[@Saxtoo]

Great little story there. Thanks 👍

[@McRocket]

Wonderful story, wonderful little track. Thanks much for this. ☮

[@a100267]

0:52 Dude doesn't look bothered😄

[@robertjones3223]

Great to see another old race track :)

[@real_swiftydragon]

Always loving the GT4 vibes!!

[@swskating3865]

Keep em coming... i love this channel Jon

[@MazandJazz]

Ahhhh, the soothing tones of the GT2 soundtrack. Consistently fine work sir.

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Great video Jon, not every day some has a race circuit in there back garden, take care

[@JaeJaeG]

I really enjoy watching your videos! Thank you for your posts! You're lovely!

[@mikemillen3219]

Fascinating! More like this please John.

[@JSmith19858]

Gurston Down and Harewood both start downhill and finish at about the same level they started at

[@Alan_Stinchcombe]

@AutoShenanigans Not really a circuit, but indeed a course.

[@Anonymoususer_8823]

Nice to see a local biscuit company sponsoring the race. The track itself doesn’t seem to be long compare to other racetracks.

[@Amber_Hawkins]

Lived in Burghfield/Burghfield Common for several years and never knew this existed funnily enough! Awesome video, wish I had known earlier.

[@michaelj3282]

Fascinating, what great history you find.

[@frasermitchell9183]

One day in the mid-60s, I went out with my friend in his red MG TC to have a look at the Great Auclum hill climb. His father let me take his Bolex 8mm film camera, and I took some film of us driving up the hill climb, one from inside the car, and the other a long shot from the field. I don't remember the banking, though. This being the 60s the gate was open and one could drive the whole course ! Afterwards, I put the film together as a short film using his father's film editor; he had all the kit including projector and screen. What became of the film I don't know and my friend passed away in 2020 so we'll probably never know.

[@johnstilljohn3181]

What a fantastic place...! This must be restored and re-opened as a high priority...!

[@AutoShenanigans]

that'd be awesome!

[@georgeprout42]

​@@AutoShenaniganssurely you mean wicked sweet awesome?

[@NewCastleIndiana]

Thanks! I just keep pushing-pinning these places in case I ever fly back over there!

[@AutoShenanigans]

Thanks a lot mate

[@NewCastleIndiana]

@@AutoShenanigans CMTMB! SSG.

[@chrismoule7242]

Roy Lane was an excellent hill-climber - not surprised at his speed here.

[@harrygatto]

Fascinating. Thanks for this little gem, I once had the misfortune to live in Reading for a few years and never knew about this place.

[@ingloriousdane]

Feel the rhythm Feel the run Get on up It's bobsled time Cool Running! 😂😂😂

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Brilliant British How times have changed Some not for the better Wonderful Jon

[@billwinward9324]

Fascinating stuff! How do you come across such gems? 😂

[@terryjacob8169]

Near where I live, in Hertfordshire, England, the driveways of two private schools were once used for hillclimbs.

[@GamMngitSssEmoTionaL5953]

🙏✌️ another great video John wicked sweet awesome 😎🤟 John please do a video of Your thoughts on the lastest umm "Jaguar" rebranding advert 😂🙏 I think be soo funny seeing your reaction and opinion hahah

[@bobjackson6524]

BLOODY HELL!!!! Amazing stuff. 🤓👍😃

[@andyrbush]

Excellent thank you.

[@ForburyLion]

The g in Burghfield is silent, unless you want to annoy someone from Burghfield in which case go with the Auto Shenanigans/Car Sat Nav pronunciation.

[@ehsnils]

A slight refresh and you could ride bicycles on it - or hold bicycling events.

[@davem9204]

They could have races between different take-away delivery riders. In the true spirit of delivery riders there will be no rules in term of electric power or any safety. The only condition is that they need to get a pizza to the end without it being ruined.

[@marieascot]

That is a good idea.Include it as part of a bike park, there isnt one near there,

[@wrichard11]

Well that takes the Huntley and Palmers

[@jonmarshall1502]

Old race tracks have spooky otherworldly vibes. Nice video .

[@xr6lad]

It’s a pity the current owners or even adjacent home owners couldn’t just go out back and scrap the weeds and crap off the roadway and clean it up. I’d consider it lovely to have behind my place a bit of history like that. It’s also looks a great walking path.

[@paulboyle6857]

I last competed here in 1973(as Alex Boyle) in a Cooper S in a time of 22.04 about half a second off the class record also held by Chris Cramer.Absolutely bonkers venue but strangely addictive!

[@AS90AS90____]

If I ever become an excentric billionaire, I'm going to build stuff like this. Brilliant videos, as always

[@haggielady]

Thanks Jon.

[@brynfitton]

Great video Jon. Are you going to do hill climb tracks? Barbon is up the drive of a house near Kirkby Lonsdale is still in use for both bikes and cars. Baitings Dam near Ripponden was up a dam service road. The start was at the bottom of the dam wall, and in the same area. Scammondon Dam which is crossed by the M62 which became a bit to fast to be safe. It climbs up and finishes literally along side the M62. The last corner armco is visible just a few feet beyond the east bound hard shoulder. Do it!!!!!!!

[@Richardturpentine]

Great vid thank you

[@Paul-md8de]

The Huntley and Palmer's biscuit factory in Reading is now swanky flats .

[@adrianrutterford762]

Good News!! A new video from that John fellow.

[@jeffmcghie684]

I liked this so pressed the button specifically provided for it even without the usual reminder.

[@hammo1935]

What an interesting location. HP biscuits used to be yummy especially their all butter ones.

[@richardansell]

Born and raised in Burghfield Common, so nice to see our local circuit's history! Only being pedantic, but we don't bother pronouncing the G in Burghfield, so it's more Bur field than burg field ;-)

[@Dan23_7]

Terrible handling old cars, a terrible designed track. A proper gents race 💪🏼

[@Vtarngpb]

0:58 so it really should’ve been called a dip… (insert Maisie Adam dip joke here) 😂

[@Immovablelava4]

if they cleaned it up a little bit, would be great for go karts maybe

[@marieascot]

It's very close to houses so that is a no goer.

[@robertbuckley2429]

I'd wish to ask if Berkshire's Forgotten and Abandoned 1930s Race Circuit is in somewhere within Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell or even Newbury.

[@marieascot]

For those Americans seeing references to AWE and Aldermaston in the comments. This is the UK equivalent of Los Alamos.Burghfield is spitting distance from this very secure site holding the UK's military secrets.

[@w1521]

This is pretty much on my doorstep, and I had absolutely no idea it was there!

[@hoggmotorsport]

Cool 👌 good to see its not been disturbed by modern development! Should be listed as others have said. Cheers Jon 👍