The runway at Manston Airport could become a drag racing track for speed addicts.

Plans are in motion to create a mini Santa Pod raceway at the site near Ramsgate next year where participants could launch hot rods and motorbikes to well over 100mph.

The owners of the airport, RiverOak, have already given the green light for the temporary facility if all the statutory criteria are met.

It is the brainchild of drag racing enthusiast Paul Marston, from Romford, who says there is nothing like it in Kent.

There is already a car drifting school on the edge of the airport site called Skidz but Mr Marston says it would cater for another popular niche of motorsport.

An events promoter, he has been working on the project, called Manston Raceway Park, for six months and says it will provide the drag-racing scene with “grassroots facilities”.

But he admits there are many “hoops to jump through and boxes to tick” before it can become a reality, not least with getting local authority approval.

“Drag racing needs grassroots facilities, to enable teams to learn their skills and gravitate to national event competition level,” he told KentOnline.

He believes the long runway offers the opportunity to have a drag strip of up to a quarter-of-a-mile where specially-prepared cars and motorbikes race against the clock to record the fastest times.

He also lists the considerable, albeit temporary, infrastructure and manpower that will be needed. It includes power, lighting, fencing, barriers, radio systems for on-site communication, security, crew uniforms, a portable building, telemaster, a tractor, a flatbed truck and portable toilet facilities.

“We need partners to help us out, to make this a reality - people who are willing to support us with supply of equipment or preferential rates,” he said.

“In exchange, we can provide advertising signage to recognise contributions and sponsorship.

“Then there’s the volunteers to help run the facility, like track staff, marshals, timing crew and stewards.

“Very importantly, we will need a fire and medical crew - so the list is pretty long.

“But it’s to keep people safe and ensure the venue is run as professionally as possible.”

The boss of the world-famous Santa Pod drag racing centre in Bedfordshire is said to be supportive of the idea and has been offering Mr Marston guidance on the venture.

Mr Marston says he will also be discussing the project with Thanet District Council ahead of making a planning application, if needed, for the limited number of event days planned of up to eight in 2025.

“I know there is a lot of excitement in the drag racing community about this but there is a long way to go to make it happen,” he added.

RiverOak bosses have given a cautious welcome to the idea.

Director Tony Freudmann said: “There is a lot of unused space there at the moment which can be put to good use, like the Saturday market which has been very successful.

“If it does happen, it would only be a temporary facility and would, of course, have to meet all the statutory requirements.”

RiverOak has already announced a planned air show at Manston on August 16/17.

But that has now been thrown into doubt, because for the event to go ahead fully in line with official guidelines, it would require the closure of the A299 and B2050 roads surrounding the area – a move likely to gridlock the area during the summer holidays.

Show organisers say “the team working on the airshow have been in contact with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and have worked out a suitable plan”, but the CAA have yet to confirm details.

Work on restoring the airport facility is due to start in 2016.

Anyone who can support the Manston Raceway Park project can call Mr Marston on 07831 650230.