Brands Hatch

Initially established in 1926 as a grass track venue for motorcycle racing, Kent’s Brands Hatch is one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues. The introduction of an extended Grand Prix circuit in 1960 put the venue on the world map, before the circuit became the UK’s joint home of Formula 1 throughout the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

From Jim Clark’s success in the circuit’s first World Championship event in 1964, to Nigel Mansell’s maiden victory in 1985, the venue hosted more than its fair share of iconic Formula 1 moments. Brands Hatch also hosted one of the defining chapters of the infamous 1976 season, as James Hunt and Niki Lauda’s epic title battle played out in front of an animated crowd on a scorching summer day.

Later, Brands Hatch became the spiritual home of World Superbikes during the ‘90s and ‘00s. Tens of thousands would flock to the venue to cheer on Carl Fogarty at the peak of his powers, with fondly remembered highlights including his 1995 double win.

The circuit has also hosted World Touring Cars and DTM over the years, whilst international sports car and GT series have been regular visitors too. Major single-seater racing returned to Brands Hatch in 2005, when the A1 Grand Prix ‘World Cup of Motorsport’ debuted, whilst the venue hosted the season finale for the first all-female W Series in 2019.

A significant non-motorsport moment came in 2012 when the circuit was a host venue for the London Paralympic Games. Double amputee racing driver Alex Zanardi’s heroics were voted ‘moment of the games’ by the International Paralympic Committee.

Today, the circuit hosts the best that British motorsport has to offer including multiple rounds of both the British Touring Car Championship and British Superbike Championship. British GT and British Truck Racing are regular visitors too, alongside an eclectic selection of family festivals including the popular, NASCAR-headlined American SpeedFest.

Brands Hatch hosts a wide range of historic and club level meetings on two and four wheels too, including the world famous Formula Ford Festival each autumn. There are also frequent opportunities to sample the circuit first-hand, with a range of driving experiences and track days. 

Sitting within a natural amphitheatre, and offering unrivalled dramatic views of the action, Brands Hatch remains Britain’s best-loved motor racing circuit.