Brands Hatch have confirmed they won't be hosting the British Truck Racing Championship this weekend - just two days after organisers got the green light to race.

The BTRC was this week confirmed as an elite championship and therefore allowed to continue during the second lockdown, although spectators were told they could no longer attend. Brands Hatch announced on Tuesday the event was going ahead but it's now been scrapped.

The Kent circuit traditionally stages the final round of the British championship at this time of year, followed by a firework display, but neither will now take place. The fireworks spectacular was the first thing to be cancelled.

The statement from Brands said: "We are sad to announce that this weekend’s truck race meeting at Brands Hatch has been cancelled."

At this stage next weekend's planned final round of the British Touring Championship - which will be raced without trackside spectators - is set to go ahead, with Brands adding: "This cancellation has no bearing on next weekend's BTCC event, which will go ahead as planned."

A statement from BARC said: "This weekend’s concluding round of the BTRA British Truck Racing Championship has been cancelled.

"Although DCMS (the government's department for digital, culture, media & sport) and Motorsport UK (the governing body for four-wheel motorsport in the United Kingdom) had designated the event as an elite fixture, detailed discussions have been required with Kent County Council this week following the new lockdown decision.

"Given the short timescales now available to competitors, officials and suppliers to make the necessary preparations at this late stage, BARC and MSV, have decided to cancel the event in the best interests of the club and its competitors.

"All parties would like to make clear that this decision has no impact on next weekend’s BTCC championship finale at Brands Hatch."

Brands was sold out for Sunday's truck race meeting - albeit with a much reduced capacity - but all affected ticket holders will be entitled to a credit or refund. Car and bike trackdays at Brands have also been suspended for the period of the new lockdown.

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