THE HSCC historic Superprix returns to Brands Hatch next weekend (30 June - 1 July).

A traditional fixture on the circuit’s calendar, it recalls the great races of the 1950s, 60s and 70s held at the north Kent venue.

Unlike many of its classic Grand Prix contemporaries, the Kent track has lost none of its character from those halcyon days and remains a favourite amongst the historic racing community.

Taking to the full Grand Prix circuit for a glorious summer weekend of racing will be some of the greatest cars of the last 60 years.

Among the single seater fraternity, Formulae Ford, F3 and F2 are still important steps in an aspiring driver’s career and many of the cars racing during this event will carry the familiar names of their original campaigners.

Also popular in the 1960s was Formula Junior, which brought Jim Clark to the world’s attention and the cars now race under the banner of the FIA Lurani Trophy.

An assortment of categories will also combine for the classic racing cars event, with famous constructors including Brabham, March and Lotus.

Meanwhile, the Derek Bell Trophy features an assortment of higher-powered machinery, with Formula 2 cars joining the 5 litre V8 Formula 5000 cars, plus a handful of Formula 1 cars.

The grid will be familiar to those that remember the classic race of champions events during the 1970s when the categories raced together, with Grand Prix stars often being humbled by their opponents.

The racing world’s attention was divided between F1 and sportscars in the 1960s and 70s and Brands Hatch always drew a huge crowd for the BOAC 500 and 1,000km events.

Many of the cars which raced then will be present in the Martini Trophy, while the GT ranks will be represented by the Guards Trophy, Historic Roadsports and 70s RoadSports.

Classic names including Lola, Chevron, Jaguar, MG, Lotus and Porsche will all feature on the grid.

The more humble saloon cars of the period were no less popular too and the historic touring car championship includes spectacular American Muscle cars, as well as the European Jaguars, Lotus Cortinas, Mini Coopers and Hillman Imps.

Among more than 350 cars entered, several will be celebrating their 50th anniversary.

The MGB reaches its half-century in 2012, as does the Lotus Elan.

Brands Hatch’s Grand Prix circuit is the perfect venue for a summer picnic, so remember to pack a bottle of champagne for a birthday toast.

Tickets for the Brands Hatch historic Superprix are available in advance from £17, with free entry for children aged 12 and under.

For more information, call 0843 453 9000 or visit brandshatch.co.uk

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