Lydden
Circuit info:
- Address:
Lydden International Motor Racing Circuit
Wooton
Canterbury
Kent
CT4 6RX
England
United Kingdom- PH:
- (44) 1304 830557
- Circuit length:
- 1.000 mile/1.609 km
- Circuit type:
- Permanent road course
Circuit history:
One of Britain's shortest circuits (and Kent's second track), Lydden Hill was opened in 1962 by Bill Chessen, who had promoted grass track racing at the venue since 1957.
Proving a popular addition to the racing calendar, Lydden Hill hosted a televised Formula Three race in 1967. It was also the birthplace of rallycross, with events regularly televised in the 1970s and 1980s.
By 1986, the MSA was pressurising Bill to erect Armco barriers, but he refused on the grounds that it would be unsafe for the motorcycle racers. When the MSA threatened to refuse him a circuit permit, he reluctantly put the circuit up for sale.
It changed hands for over £1 million as a result, when rallycross competitor Tom Bissett bought the circuit. The owner of a successful plant hire firm, Tom set to work on improvements to the facilities straight away.
In March 1991, McLaren International bought out all the shares in the circuit to become sole owners, with plans to redevlop the circuit with a new headquarters and test track.
However, planning wrangles left McLaren to build its Paragon headquarters elsewhere, and the long-term future of Lydden Hill remains uncertain. However, racing continues at present under McLaren ownership but with the circuit leased to the British Motorcycle Racing Club. Events are promoted by the South East Motor Sports Enthusiasts Club.
