BRANDS Hatch will open its gates to thousands of Lotus enthusiasts this Saturday as the Kent circuit hosts the inaugural Lotus Brands Hatch Celebration, an event that will also mark the first car race meeting of 2007.

While the Lotus Celebration comes just weeks after 311 Lotuses squeezed onto Brands' 1.2-mile Indy circuit in order to set a new World Record for the longest ever single make parade of cars, this Saturday will feature another new record for the biggest ever line-up of Lotus Elise race cars.

A maximum of 32 race-prepped Elises will form-up on the grid, with more in reserve just in case

With a number of dedicated trade and club areas, displays and Lotus memorabilia, fans will also have the chance to meet former Lotus F1 driver Martin Donnelly as well as enjoy parade laps from a pair of historic Lotus Grand Prix cars.

Those wishing to put their driving skills to the test on an Elise Simulator will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win VIP hospitality at the finale of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport which arrives at Brands on April 28/29.

Boasting a packed race schedule, the Celebration will feature 11 races in total, including two Elise Trophy rounds plus the Irish Porsche Open Racing Series, Sports and GTs, Sports and Saloons and T Cars, the UK's premier series for junior racers aged between 14 and 17 years old.

The final race of the day will be a real spectacular thanks to a mixture of Caterhams, Lotuses, BMWs and Noble supercars all taking to the track at once to battle for top honours.

Tickets for Saturday's event, which will also feature a live performance from 80s rock band Doctor and The Medics, will be available on the gate priced £12.

Admission is free for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0870 950 9000 or visit www.brandshatch.co.uk.