FORMULA 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is expected to attend the opening of the new £1m clubhouse at Chatham's Buckmore Park Kart Circuit on Wednesday, September 3.

He will join former motorcycle and F1 world champion John Surtees, and Bill Sisley, co-owners of the circuit, at the special event. The state-of-the-art facility, which will feature a fully-fitted workshop and servicing areas, study and lecture rooms and a selection of karts and components, will be the operational centre for school, club and championship racing and corporate activities.

It has been designed to link in a new motor sport training and technology centre in a bid to introduce more youngsters into motor sport - from driving to engineering and design.

The development is part of a dream held by Surtees, the only man in the history of motor sport to hold world titles on two and four wheels, to widen the reach of the sport.