American SpeedFest 10 Powered by Lucas Oil makes its triumphant return to Brands Hatch with two days of USA-themed action this weekend (17/18 June). The event, which first transformed the Kent circuit’s summer schedule when it debuted in 2013, will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a programme that’s bigger and better than ever before, encompassing a NASCAR headlined race line-up, a dedicated music festival, and more off-track live action and displays than at previous editions.
Supercharged NASCAR action
On-track entertainment will be led, as it has been this past decade, by the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, the only officially endorsed stock car series of its kind on this side of the Atlantic. Authentic NASCAR stock cars will clash in four races across the weekend, as visitors to the Kent circuit are treated to the only NASCAR sanctioned race action they’ll see on British soil.
The NASCAR Whelen Euro Series races will receive the full American treatment with an opening ceremony ahead of Sunday’s feature race, including driver introductions and a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Additionally fans will be invited to join in directly with the podium celebrations with these taking place on the Victory Lane stage right at the heart of the venue’s FanZone.
Country music stars
The most significant addition to this year’s line-up is the creation of an all-new music festival, SpeedFest Country, which will elevate the event with an entirely new element. Live performances are planned throughout both days, with Saturday night’s entertainment carrying on right into the night. Access to the music festival stage comes at no extra cost to SpeedFest ticket holders, whilst on-site camping upgrades are available to purchase.
Saturday night headliner, singer-songwriter Kezia Gill, will be joined on the first day of the event by Bailey Tomkinson, Laura Oakes, Gasoline & Matches, Two Ways Home and Rev Ferriday. Feelgood quartet First Time Flyers will top Sunday’s bill with support from Backwoods Creek, Emilia Quinn, Troy Redfern and Outlaw Orchestra.
Thrilling live action
Another major improvement for 2023 is a revamped Live Action Arena which will bring the power with a spectacular line-up featuring monster trucks like SpeedFest stalwart Swamp Thing and newcomer Slingshot. There will be drift trucks too, plus gymkhana precision driving and staged short oval races from BriSCA stock cars. Like SpeedFest Country, access to the Live Action Arena comes at no extra cost, though viewing upgrades are available on the day for a small fee.
Special displays
Other marquee additions include a special one-off appearance from the NASCAR Next Gen Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which will have been raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans a week prior. The car, which will appear on static display, is expected to contest the French endurance classic with seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button and past Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller at the wheel.
On top of all that, Mattel, Disney and Pixar Cars will return to SpeedFest for the first time since 2016 with a guest appearance from a life-size model of Lightning McQueen. The appearance of the animated silver screen icon model will be a key attraction of the American SpeedFest 10 off-track programme, appearing in a dedicated display area, allowing you to immerse yourself in a bit of Disney and Pixar magic with photo opportunities and engagement as part of the Disney100 celebrations. The Lightning McQueen model will be accompanied by a replica of his on-screen best friend, Tow Mater.
Much more...
Extra entertainment on the circuit will include the Legends Cars National Championship, Pickup Truck Racing Championship, SpeedFest Silhouettes and Bernies V8s and Historic Outlaws plus a special Corvette 70th Anniversary Race. There will be special demonstrations too including from genuine US NASCAR machines, plus a USA vs Japan Drift-Off featuring competitors from Motorsport UK Drift Pro.
The event’s signature car displays will return too, with hundreds of Fords, Chevrolets, Pontiacs, Dodges, Oldsmobiles, Buicks and more filling the venue ahead of a parade on the Sunday evening.
Weekend tickets are available in advance for £45 (with weekend camping an additional £29). Adult admission £25 on Saturday and £30 on Sunday. Reductions are available for 13-15-year-olds and under-13s go free. All tickets include admission to the full American SpeedFest 10 race event in addition to the SpeedFest Country music stage. For more information, please visit www.speedfest.co.uk.