Eric Crudgington Fernihough up held the English tradition of eccentricity, a Cambridge scholar and member of their MCC, he began racing motorcycles in 1923. It was speed records that was his driving passion. In 1934 he won the Hutchinson 100 on a 175cc Excelsior JAP. Then at Brooklands in 1935 he set a new Standing Start and Flying Start race lap of 104.63 & 123.58mph respectively on an unblown Brough Superior. For which he was awarded the the double Gold Star (left) only 2 are in existence the other awarded to Noel Pope, also in 1935,  for exceeding 120mph on the Brooklands Bank track.

He set a World's record on the Frankfurt Autobahn with  a standing start of 98.91mph. As well as taking World speed records in Hungary. In March 1938 he recorded the fastest ever lap over the Brooklands kilometre at 143.3 mph. It was whilst out in Hungary that he died attempting another speed record on 23rd April 1938. The people of the town of Debas in Hungary, where the attempt was made had a plaque made to celebrate his achievements, this can be viewed at the bottom of the page. A short video on Youtube can be seen of his Brooklands record run here

The club awarded him this plate

at the 1935 annual awards dinner dance

in recognition of his amazing lap