Rallycross history to be celebrated at Kent circuit

The Lydden Legend Festival in Kent will run between 19-21 July

A festival celebrating the history of rallycross will be held at the Kent racing circuit where it was born nearly 60 years ago.

The Legend Festival at the Lydden Hill circuit, near Dover, will feature on-track action as well as appearances by star names and international cars.

The event, between 19-21 July, will include a range of rallycross ‘demonstration races,’ with cars from across the history of rallying, and off-track displays.

Hannah Bennett, managing director of Lydden Hill Race Circuit, said: "There is nothing not to like about having a whole weekend dedicated to an amazing array of period rallycross and rally machinery at the birthplace of rallycross, and we have a number of surprises already in place."

Among the guests expected at the festival will be 14-time European rallycross champion Kenneth Hansen and six-time British rallycross winner Dermot Carnegie.

Rallycross – a type of rally car racing on closed, mixed-surface circuits – was launched at Lydden Hill in February 1967.

The one-mile circuit has hosted a variety of major motorsport events over the years.

The Lydden Legend Festival opens on Friday with a welcome gala event.

Ms Bennett said: “We are sure it will be our biggest and most anticipated event of the year.”