It started out 50 years go as a 400-metre go-kart track as part of an Army training exercise. Since then, Buckmore Park Kart Circuit has become an internationally recognised racing venue, welcoming royal visitors and providing a training ground for Formula 1 stars.

When its present owner, Bill Sisley, took over the reins in the mid 1980s, he was already a driving force in the sport, and quickly brought the Blue Bell Hill circuit up to competition standards.

He said: “When I first came here the venue was dilapidated and was about to close. There was no infrastructure and in 1985 only 1,000 people came here. Last year more than 150,000 took part at some kind of event here. We are open seven days a week, all year round, day and night.”

One early Buckmore success after Bill’s arrival was Formula 1 star Johnny Herbert, currently best known as Sky’s F1 expert analyst.

Johnny worked for and was trained by Bill, progressing to become British karting champion before moving on to F1, racing in 160 Grand Prix championships from 1989 to 2000.

As the circuit continued to expand, other drivers who were soon to become household names raced at Buckmore Park and used it to hone their growing skills.

Current F1 driver Jenson Button was a regular visitor as a youngster in the early 1990s and at a national karting championship held at Buckmore Park in 1996, a 12-year-old Lewis Hamilton was spotted by F1 McLaren boss Ron Dennis.

The venue is also visited by famous faces, including princes William and Harry, who enjoyed a day at the track with their mother, the late Princess Diana, in 1996.

Bill said: “When I was a young man I was told only racing drivers could drive karts and there was no way you could make a living out of running a kart circuit. That was 50 years ago! I thought it was nonsense then, and I have proved that anyone can drive a kart, whether it be a four-year-old on a birthday party or an 86-year-old grandmother.

“I don’t distinguish between an owner driver, a hire karter or a corporate guest, they are all customers to me.

“Although competition karting is my passion and we have a 50-year sporting heritage, it now only represents 5% of our business. It’s our educational and training side that is very important now.

"We work with local schools, colleges and universities and train young drivers aged between six and 16 through our clubs. Our adult clubs are also over-subscribed with over 3,500 members racing regularly, using our equipment.”

The circuit now offers fun activities such as parties and laser warfare games, as well as turn-up-and-drive karting, working towards a long-term aim to become a motor-based multi activity centre for all ages from four upwards.

Bill added: “I think Buckmore has been such a commercial success for so many years because that’s always been our philosophy – karting for all.”

Celebrating 50 years

Motor racing stars of the past and present will be tearing up the track at Buckmore Park Kart Circuit’s 50th anniversary race meeting.

The event will include the ABkC ‘O’ Plate event for those aged eight to 13 where the UK’s top young drivers fight to display the coveted ‘O’ number plate for the 2014 season.

Current under 18 world champion Henry Easthope will give a high speed demonstration using the latest 125cc international equipment which reaches speeds of more than 100mph.

Veteran F1 star Johnny Herbert will demonstrate a restored 135cc Bill Sisley-manufactured Cobra/Komet kart that he used to win the British karting Championships in 1982.

Circuit owner Bill Sisley, a kart champion himself in the 1960s and 1970s, and his son Tom, a multi-kart and car champion in the 1990s will demonstrate a 1959 Yellow Peril which was Britain’s first prototype go kart.

There will also be a display by the British Historic Kart Club of machinery from 1961 to 1982.

The meeting starts with unofficial practice on Friday, October 18 and Saturday, October 19, before racing begins on Sunday, October 20, at 10.30am, when spectators are welcome.

Tickets are £4 in advance or £5 on the day. Admission is free for under 14s. There will also be a hog roast, karting simulator and parade cars. in addition to the on-track action.

Buckmore Park is just off Junction 3 of the M2. For information call 01634 201562 or visit www.buckmore.co.uk