Lydden Hill bosses say they did not pursue a chance to host the European Rallycross Championship as the American-based Global series offers a bigger and better show.

The Canterbury circuit – which hosted the British World Rallycross round from 2014 to last season - will hold the final two rounds of the Global Rallycross Championship on October 27-28.

European series promoters IMG said last year how Lydden could host the championship as a standalone event, but Lydden owner Pat Doran said the Global series provided a better opportunity.

“We had a chance to hold the European championship, but we did not believe it was big enough,” he said.

“We have gone for a bigger championship which will be a bigger show and bring a lot to the economy and the local area.

“I didn't follow the European championship up because I was not sure it was the right time for that.

“I am not saying there won't be a right time in the future for it, but we are very happy with the American championship - we have gone for the big guns.”

Lydden hosted its final world championship meeting last May after organisers signed a five-year deal with Silverstone to host the British round.

'It is great to see and is a success story...' - Pat Doran

A 70-foot table top jump will be installed at Lydden for the GRC event, which will mark the first rallycross event in Europe for the series since 2013.

“There has been a lot of work involved,” Doran, who did not say where the jump will go, added.

“The organisers were very keen to come to the home of rallycross and to fill the space that the world championship left.

“There were other circuits they were looking at and there was a lot of competition - they could have gone anywhere.”

Three-time defending series champion Scott Speed and past Lydden Hill race winner Tanner Foust are expected to compete in the event.

Doran thinks it will also attract some of the biggest drivers in Europe – and expects his son, Liam, will be invited to compete.

“It is a chance to show the world what our circuit can give,” Doran added.

“We are not saying we will never have the world or European championship again, but I think the GRC will be a great addition to the circuit.

“It is great to see and is a success story.”

Doran says the circuit is still working on its multimillion-pound development plans, which were submitted in 2015.

“We are working closely with the local authority and are working hard on it,” he said.

“I don’t want to compete with Silverstone and Brands – we are a little place with a big atmosphere like Goodwood.

'It is a chance to show the world what our circuit can give...' - Pat Doran

“We are getting there with the plans now.”

Red Bull GRC’s Colin Dyne says he is looking forward to taking the series to Kent.

He said: “Bringing Red Bull Global Rallycross to Lydden Hill's historic venue makes perfect sense for the series' long-awaited return to Europe.

"Our teams and drivers are looking forward to battling it out for the championship on the circuit where the sport first began, so fans will be sure to see some of the most intense racing of the year over this double-header weekend."

Lydden will also host two rounds of the British Rallycross Championship on Easter and August Bank Holiday Monday this season.

Tickets for Red Bull Global Rallycross Lydden Hill are on sale at www.lyddenhill.co.uk/grc