A new fleet of race karts will be unveiled at Buckmore Park to mark the official takeover of the circuit by John Surtees.

The 1964 Formula One World Champion, who also won seven World Motorcycle Championships, recently took over the running of the Chatham circuit.

A launch event next Wednesday will see the unveiling of an all-new fleet of 2016 model 50 Sodi RT8 390cc karts, in the striking blue and yellow Team Surtees livery of the successful European Championship Winning Formula Two TS10 Car.

During the event Paul Hollywood, who presents the Great British Bake Off, will demonstrate one of the new karts.

Formula Ford Championship winning driver Scott Malvern will take to the circuit in the Surtees TS10 Formula Two car, which Surtees won the Imola Gold Cup and the Japanese Grand Prix in 1972.

Surtees, who lives in Edenbridge, said: “Buckmore Park is one of the most picturesque circuits in the UK and is rich in karting heritage.

“Its 52 years of karting excellence has seen the likes of champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button hone their racing skills.

“I would like Buckmore to continue to become a major feeder for youngsters to further their career in motorsport.”

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