Lydden Hill will welcome thousands of motorsport fans and a record field of Supercars when the prestigious FIA World Rallycross Championship rolls into Kent this weekend.

For the first time in its history, rallycross has gained world status this season and has chosen the home of the sport for its second round, after the series kicked off in Portugal three weeks ago.

Organisers hope between 10,000 and 15,000 fans will visit the one-mile circuit for the action-packed event, which will start on Saturday and end with its finals day on Sunday.

No fewer than 38 Supercars have entered the weekend, making for dozens of action-packed races as the 600bhp machines, capable of 0-60mph in under two seconds, race side-by-side.

Siitingbourne man Liam Doran (Citroen DS3) and current British Touring Car champion Andrew Jordan will be two British drivers to watch, but Julian Godfrey, Kevin Procter and Andy Scott cannot be ruled out.

Off track, circuit owner Pat Doran is looking forward to welcoming the world’s best rallycross drivers.

“Of course we are looking forward to it,” he said. “The world will be here.

“It’s a dream for all of us here at Lydden.”

Support race action will come from the Super 1600, Touring Car and RX Lites classes.

Action starts at 9am on Saturday and 10.30 on Sunday.

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