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CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF BRANDS HATCH
BY SOPHIE SHORTER
Brands Hatch, proudly located in West Kingsdown, is celebrating a major milestone for 2026: its 100-year anniversary, complete with a Century of Power commemorative programme of events running throughout the year featuring demonstrations, displays and guest appearances from past champions who have shaped the famed circuit.
The former mushroom field was founded in 1926 by local cyclists and cross-country runners( led by Ron Argent), who carved dirt tracks into the grassland before the site was later taken over in 1932 by a group of motorcycle clubs to become an official motocross circuit. The natural amphitheatre quickly evolved into what is now known as the Indy Circuit, hosting the first official motorcycle races.
As World War II began in 1939, the race circuit was requisitioned as a military base, ceasing all motorsport activities. By the late 1940s, vehicles returned, and after extensive resurfacing and a woodland expansion to create the Grand Prix Circuit, Brands Hatch reopened to both motorcyclists and sports car drivers, welcoming the renowned Formula 1 in 1960.
Today, Brands Hatch remains the county’ s most recognisable motorsport venue, known for its close-up spectator experiences and its unique, challenging layout shaped by the natural landscape. From supporting local clubs and offering young drivers the chance to experience the track to hosting major championships, the circuit continues to draw crowds from across the world offering accessible, memorable race-day experiences.
For the 75 years since its post-war revival, Brands Hatch has hosted countless legendary competitions including the World Sportscar Championship and the Superbike World Championship. It remains a prominent site for motorsport today, staging major annual events such as the Bennetts British Superbike Championship and the Kwik Fit British Tour Car Championship.
To honour this storied history, owners MotorSport Vision- Europe’ s leading race circuit operators- have unveiled a Century of Power schedule: a full year of celebrations running from March to November, featuring the strongest roster of nostalgic racing events the circuit has ever presented.
Headline highlights include Motor Racing Legend showcases, a Touring Car Rewind event playing tribute to generations of saloon racers, and HSCC & Masters Historic Racing meetings on the iconic Grand Prix Circuit. These sit alongside a series of smaller events surrounding the annual Bennetts BSB and the BTCC rounds, while the British GT Championship will conclude its season at Brands Hatch- meaning three of the most prestigious prizes in domestic motorsport will be awarded here during the centenary celebrations.
Season passes are available to purchase, offering access to every race weekend, and early buyers will receive a limited-edition commemorative souvenir issued as a keepsake for the 100th anniversary.
A century on from its origins, Brands Hatch remains as prominent as ever before. The centenary schedule not only acknowledges its remarkable heritage, but also reinforces the circuit’ s future- one built on the same passion and focus that first shaped it in 1926.
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