The scene is all set for the biggest weekend in the 58-year history of the famous Lydden Hill circuit in Kent. A record grid of 38 flame-spitting SuperCars heralds the venue’s promotion to premier league status as it hosts its first ever round of the thrilling new FIA World Rallycross Championship.

Hailed as the most ‘gladiatorial’ form of motor sport, rallycross was born at Lydden Hill back in the sixties and now returns to its birthplace having just gained full world championship status. It’s a historic milestone that will be celebrated in breathtaking high-octane style this Spring Bank Holiday weekend (24-25 May).

The ultimate destination of the inaugural AUTOSPORT World RX of Great Britain laurels will be determined over four thrilling qualifying heats, two semi-finals and a grand final all staged on a circuit combining both asphalt and gravel surfaces. The action is fast and furious, too, with a series of short sharp races featuring seriously souped up versions of familiar showroom models. Known as SuperCars, these are 2.0-litre turbocharged 600bhp four-wheel-drive machines that boast greater gusto than a modern F1 car. With such performance levels it’s easy to see why they are so popular with manufacturers – Ford, Peugeot and VW are all providing factory support to competing teams – fans and top level drivers.

Indeed the mouth-watering Lydden line-up features an all-star international cast from all formats of the sport. Petter Solberg from Norway is a proven world champion from rallying, ‘wild card’ Andrew Jordan is the reigning British Touring Car champion while local hero Liam Doran, US Top Gear TV presenter Tanner Foust and Topi Heikkenen are all X Games gold medalists.

“Lydden is a really fast and flowing track but most of all I’m really looking forward to being in Britain because the people are so passionate about the sport,” enthused Heikkenen, who is also the defending Global Rallycross champion. “Britain is really the home of rallycross: the first race that ever took place was in Britain and I love that whole history side to it, too.”

Former F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr is another top name now looking for further success in the increasingly high-profile world of rallycross. The well-known Brazilian is cutting his teeth in the slightly less powerful RX Lites class that’s on the busy support race bill which along with Drifters all adding to the eye-catching entertainment.

Another certain crowd pleaser is an amazing selection of mighty Group B rallycross cars from the late eighties. These incredible beasts from a golden by-gone era will be not only on display but also wowing fans with some dramatic on-track demonstration runs.

To cater for the huge numbers expected, gates open at 05:30 on both Saturday and Sunday. The action commences with practice at 09.00 on Saturday with competitive Heats running from 11:15 to 18:00. Sunday’s busy schedule starts with a morning Warm-Up at 10:30. A further round of Heats follows at 11:30 with the weekend’s top performers then qualifying for the Semi Finals and Finals.

With record ticket pre-sales, a huge Bank Holiday crowd is expected over the weekend. Access to Lydden is via the A2 only – not via the local villages surrounding the circuit – with a special traffic flow system in place. To assist flow into the venue extra entrance booths have been created and these will be open from 05.30. Tickets are also available on the gate priced at £25 for Saturday and £30 for Sunday. Accompanied children aged 12 and under are admitted free.

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