One of the biggest events on Kent's motorsport calendar has been scrapped.

Brands Hatch will not stage a round of the 2009 FIM World Superbike Championship, which can attract crowds of up to 100,000, after circuit bosses were unable to meet the demands of race promoters FG Sport.

Jonathan Palmer, chief executive of MotorSport Vision - the company that runs the race track near Longfield - said the Italian company had demanded a fee more than twice the amount paid this season.

He said: "FG Sport's demands seem strange given the very obvious global economic crisis.

"I have made it very clear to FG Sport that we would be delighted to welcome the World Superbike Championship back to Brands Hatch in 2009 - but despite considerable negotiation, the substantially increased offer was not accepted."

The increase in FG Sport's fee would have been equivalent to an extra £15 on the price of every race day ticket, Mr Palmer added.

Brands Hatch has held 16 World Superbike Championship events since 1993 and has featured many unforgettable moments, including Carl Fogarty's double victory in 1995 and, more recently, James Toseland's double win in 2007.

Mr Palmer said: "The loss of Brands Hatch will be a shame for British fans but also a big loss for the World Superbike Championship and will clearly be missed by its promoters and sponsors."

The circuit is hoping to stage another motorcycle event over the traditional World Superbike Championship weekend in 2009. An announcement is expected within the next month.