Rallycross is taking the sporting world by storm and this weekend the thrill-a-minute racing is coming to Kent. Let Dan Wright be your guide...

If you like your weekends dramatic and action-packed then look no further than Lydden Hill.

For the first time, motorsport’s latest phenomenon will come to these shores when the all-new FIA World Rallycross Championship roars into the usually sedate Kent countryside.

It’s set to be a sell-out weekend full of thrills and spills as the world’s best drivers race in an event perfect for family entertainment.

There will be Citroens, Fords, VWs and Peugeots racing on the asphalt and gravel track – and these cars are nothing like those you will see in the Homebase carpark.

The 35 or so Supercar beasts, the biggest field ever seen at the circuit just off the A2 between Dover and Canterbury, will race side-by-side in clouds of dust, accelerating from 60mph... and that’s way quicker than any F1 car.

They will spit flames as they slide their way around the one-mile circuit, sometimes a bit closely. It was a sport created for television back in 1967 but nothing beats watching it live at Lydden, where, wherever you stand, you can see nearly every part of the track.

The races will be short and sharp – in fact the kids won’t even have time to start whingeing. There will also be the chance to cheer a home-grown favourite, as Sittingbourne’s Liam Doran will be taking on the world’s best drivers in his Citroen DS3.

Top Gear USA presenter Tanner Foust will also be competing, alongside current British Touring Car champion Andrew Jordan who, like every other Supercar driver, will be aiming to beat Liam.

“I think it will be a great event,” said event organiser Martin Anayi.

“We are bringing a world championship to Kent. That is unique and the local community needs to get behind it.

“It doesn’t matter about thousands of people watching the championship in France on TV, what matters is that we have 10,000 to 15,000 people here,” he added.

Away from the on-track action, there will be plenty going on.

Always a popular feature of rallycross events, the paddock will be open to the public on both days, allowing fans to get up-close-and-personal with the cars and meet their favourite drivers.

Trade stands, children’s entertainment and a celebration of classic rallycross cars will also be on show.

Adult tickets for the Autosport World RX of Great Britain cost from £20 either from www.lyddenhill.co.uk or the ticket hotline on 0844 858 8518 (calls cost 6p per minute plus network extras.)

Adult admission on Saturday, May 24, is £20, on Sunday, May 25, £25. Weekend general admission is £40. Accompanied children under 12 go free.