Buckmore Park Kart Track, Chatham. Picture: Peter Still

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A karting circuit that helped Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button become
world champions is in pole position with a £300,000 investment in new karts and ambitious growth plans.

Buckmore Park Kart Circuit, near Chatham, widely regarded as one of the finest in the UK, has added 65 karts to its fleet.

The circuit celebrates its 50th annniversary this year and attracts more than 100,000 visitors a year.

Owner Bill Sisley, managing director of Buckmore Park Karting, has a long lease with landowner John Surtees.

The former world motor racing and motorcycling champion has bought the freehold to a further 90 acres for probable track expansion and an education centre for young people.

Mr Surtees tragically lost his son Henry, a talented young driver, in
a freak accident at Brands Hatch. He told Kent Online that karting and motorsport were great ways of teaching young people, not only about driving fast and safey, but about engineering and life. They could transform lives.

"We're living in an age when so many people grow up believing that the screen produces everything, and half the time it's perhaps unproductive and negative. I'd like to give an opportunity to motivate youngsters on the back of motorsport.

"If we can open the door and create enthusiasm, using the kart to introduce them to technology - yes, a screen again but also spanners - they can go on to find a career."

"i’d like to give an opportunity to motivate youngsters on the back of motorsport" – john surtees

He added: "I'd like to create an extension to the circuit for alternatives for learning, testing and road safety training. I have dreams, we'll just try and realise them."

Barclays helped fund the new kart purchase. Circuit managing director Mr Sisley said: “We are proud to be able to offer our clients in the corporate and leisure sectors, as well as our junior drivers, these brand new karts that feature the highest standards of safety and technological advances that money can buy.

"This investment is just the first stage as we have exciting plans for further circuit expansion and it marks our commitment to remain the best race and corporate entertainment kart facility in the UK."

Jon Emery, Barclays relationship director, said: "We have worked closely with the management team on this project to support the funding of the new karts which will undoubtedly increase the numbers of enthusiastic participants and visitors to this award-winning circuit."

As youngsters, F1 legends Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and new F1 Marussia signing Max Chilton all honed their skills at the circuit.