Circuit bosses at Lydden Hill are expecting a huge crowd this weekend as the FIA World Rallycross Championship heads to Kent for its only British meeting.

The 12-round championship, which takes in events in Argentina, Turkey, Canada and across Europe, will visit the one-mile Canterbury circuit after 10,000 spectators enjoyed last year’s round.

Competitors will race against each other over the mixed gravel and Tarmac surfaces on Saturday and Sunday, with the most successful drivers progressing from the heats to the finals.

Norwegian Andreas Bakkerud claimed victory in Kent in 2014 but repeating that feat will be tough as he joins a field of 30 four-wheel-drive 600bhp supercars at Lydden.

Audi, Citroen, Ford, Mini, Peugeot, Volvo and VW are all represented on the Motorsport News World RX of Great Britain entry list, with last year’s world champion Petter Solberg heading the pack.

Circuit owner Pat Doran said: “With the advent of a proper World Championship, the popularity of rallycross is soaring.

“Last year’s first ever World RX of Great Britain attracted a record crowd to Lydden, and ticket sales suggest this month’s event is going to be an even bigger success.

“We are certainly gearing up for lots of fantastic racing and another huge crowd.”

Solberg, the 2003 World Rally champion, will be joined by the 18 season-long world championship competitors, with a host of wildcard entries adding to the numbers.

Former British Touring Car champion Andrew Jordan is a stand-out wildcard, returning at the wheel of a Peugeot 208 after claiming third place last year.

The 2013 BTCC champion has switched from the Ford Fiesta he piloted at Lydden in 2014 and will join current British Rallycross Championship points leader Andy Scott, double British Rally Champion Guy Wilks and Sittingbourne’s Liam Doran.

“You always need a bit of luck but, after the podium last year, the aim has to be to win!" - Andrew Jordan

Jordan said: “You always need a bit of luck but, after the podium last year, the aim has to be to win!

“To finish on the podium was one of the coolest things I’ve done in motor sport – it was just an amazing feeling.”

While Jordan will compete in the headlining Supercar class, support action will come from the RX Lites and Touring Cars.

Canterbury’s Tristan Ovenden will make his World Championship debut in the RX Lites class, sharing the stage with special displays, races and parades from historic rallycross machines.

Tickets cost £30 for Saturday and £35 on Sunday, with children aged 12 and under going free.
Practice starts at 10am on Saturday, 10.30am on Sunday. Visit www.lyddenhill.co.uk for details.