Freddie Hunt scored two top-20 finishes at Brands Hatch at the weekend – 40 years after his father James won the 1976 British Grand Prix at the circuit only to be disqualified afterwards.

Hunt, 28, competed in two NASCAR Whelen Euro Series races at the West Kingsdown track, finishing 19th in the opener and 17th in his second outing.

It marked four decades since his father’s infamous F1 world championship battle with Niki Lauda, which saw Hunt win on the road in Kent only to be disqualified on a technicality post-race.

Freddie - whose dad bounced back in the following rounds to claim his only F1 title - told KentOnline at Brands: “It is a hell of a year with a lot of events and a lot of media work which is really good.

“It reminds me of how proud I am of dad.

“Brands is not my favourite circuit, but I like it. I cannot expect to have a stab at the front yet, but I will drive as well as I can – I am enjoying it.”

Hunt was set to be joined by Niki’s son Matthias at Brands, but the Austrian skipped the event as his partner was giving birth.

It meant the Chevrolet SS driver was partnered by William Ayer for the third round of the championship, which is Europe’s only NASCAR-endorsed race series.

Hunt added: “It is a learning year for me.

“It is a shame I do not have Matthias here this weekend because I learn from him and we compare data.”

Hunt, who competed in the Renault UK Clio Cup last season and has previously driven single-seaters, tested an RX Lite rallycross car at Lydden Hill in 2015.

He said: “I would love to do more of that.

“It was great and I really enjoyed it, but I am enjoying this as well.”

Brands Hatch bosses announced on Sunday that the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series will continue to headline the circuit’s American Speedfest event until at least 2022.