BRANDS HATCH'S year got off to an impressive start on Monday when a parade of 311 Lotus sports cars descended on the Kent circuit, filling the entire length of the 1.2-mile Indy track.

The stunt, which will receive Guinness Book of Records authentication for the largest single-make parade of cars, comes hot on the heels of the circuit confirming the biggest race calendar in its 81-year history.

The line-up included a wide range of models from early Elans to modern day Exiges, with some rare Sunbeams, Europas and even a 1978 limited edition John Player Special Esprit taking part.

The record attempt beats the previous total of 248 Mazdas set in the USA.