BRANDS Hatch will launch its 80th anniversary season on Saturday.

The Kent circuit will host racing every weekend from Saturday and Sunday right through to November 18.

Among the events scheduled for the season are rounds of the A1 Grand Prix, the World and British Superbike Championship, the World Touring Car Championship and DTM Series.

The season begins with the British Motor Cycle Racing Club’s opener on Saturday and Sunday.

West Malling’s Matt Goldsmith, Maidstone’s Andy Bettridge and Beckenham’s Matt Higgins are among the favourites for the event.

The Yamaha Past Masters championship will feature more than 60 competitors – including Gravesend’s Gary Fry and Gillingham’s Doug Howell.

In the GP bikes, Sittingbourne’s Chris Bishop will begin the defence of his MRO GP250 title and there will also be Aprilla 125 Superteen, GP125 and sidecars.

Tickets for the meeting cost £12 per adult per day, with children under 12 admitted free.