The tragic racing driver who haunts the tracks

When Brooklands in Surrey became the world's first purpose‑built motor racing circuit in 1907, drivers pushed themselves and their vehicles to the limit just to earn a place in sporting history.

Among them was Percy Edgar Lambert, a British racer whose achievements and tragic death became one of motorsport's most enduring ghost stories.

Born in 1881 in London, Lambert was known for his relentless determination which led him to achieve the unthinkable.

On 15 February 1913, Lambert became the first person to drive 100 miles (160km) in one hour, covering 103.84 miles (166km) in his Talbot during the record attempt.

Allan Winn, vice president at Brooklands Museum, described him as the "Max Verstappen of the time".

"He was an enormously famous driver, there was a lot of honour involved when he attempted to set a record," he told Secret Surrey.

However, Lambert's glory did not last for long.

In early October of the same year Jean Chassagne, from France, broke Lambert's record, racing 107.95 miles (173km) in one hour in his Sunbeam.

Winn said Lambert was "absolutely determined" to reclaim his record.

"Lambert wanted to regain his record before the end of the racing season, so this would mean the record would stand for at least six months and he could bask in that glory [for that duration]," Winn explained.

"Lambert told his fiancée this was his last race, and it was going to be his last hurrah."

Winn described Lambert as a "fierce competitor" who had entered almost 70 races.

After 28 minutes on 31 October 1913, he was on track to beat the record, however, the back tyre burst and the vehicle turned over.

Lambert was thrown out of his car and suffered fatal injuries, dying on his way to Weybridge Hospital.

It is said Lambert's ghost haunts the tracks, with Winn saying Brooklands Museum staff have felt "something uncanny" there, especially during the winter nights.

"We have had paranormal investigators report they could feel something here," Winn said.

"Museum staff members and I have stood on top of the Members' Hill and unexplainedly smelt cigarette smells, but there was nobody smoking."

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