John Surtees has big ideas for the future of Buckmore Park, the karting track he bought for an undisclosed sum last month.

The Formula 1 champion of 1964 has had a long time to formulate his proposals, having already owned the freehold on the Chatham circuit since the 1990s.

It is the 90 acres he owns next to the track – founded in 1963 as a facility for the local Scouts group – which hold the key to the 81-year-old’s expansion plans.

“Nothing will happen immediately but I have planned a series of changes which will all work,” said Mr Surtees from his home in Edenbridge.

“I would like to do an extension which serves a double purpose. Apart from being able to hold an international karting event like the World Championships, it could also be used for road safety training on two and four wheels.

“Kids will come along get enjoyment out of karting but it also gives them a feel of the road. When they go out on the roads and they face a problem, it won’t be the first time they have had a skid. It’s better for the first time that happens to be on a track rather than a road.”

Mr Surtees, who is the only man to win world championships with both motorcycles and cars, is also keen for the circuit to become an asset to Kent on the educational front.

He continues to be inspired by his son Henry, who died in a Formula Two race at Brands Hatch in 2009. He first got his father involved at the circuit after driving round and telling his him “that is what I want to do”, aged seven and a half.

His father carries out much philanthropic work through a charitable foundation set up in Henry’s honour.

He said: “I want to do more things there to work with youngsters. If you look at the motorsport industry it covers every area from engineering, to business and health and safety. I would like Buckmore to become a feeder for youngsters into cars. I would like to see that happen with various colleges and universities. We will come up with some proposals. KCC have been very supportive and we will be talking to them.”

Although legally a takeover by his company John Surtees Limited, the acquisition of the circuit has actually changed very little at the track so far.

Former managing director Bill Sisley is continuing as a consultant, with chief operating officer Chris Pullman promoted to joint managing director with Mike Griffiths, who will take responsibilities for future developments with Mr Surtees, according to a statement on the racing legend’s website. With all these plans, some observers may be concerned for the circuit’s bread and butter as a place for young drivers to develop, notably where F1 champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button honed their skills.

“I have always been involved in young driver development,” reassured Mr Surtees. “When I was first asked to help at the circuit it was for that purpose and that still remains.

“We have eight-year-olds who all come together because of their experiences racing cars. The most important thing is they get emotionally involved.

“Buckmore is one of the most prestigious kart circuits in the world. It has been a story and hopefully we can take it a few stages further. It’s very early stages but later in the year we will be in a position to tell you more about what is happening.”