Buckmore Park Kart Circuit

Buckmore Park Kart Circuit: karting in Chatham since 1963

Buckmore Park Kart Circuit is a karting circuit located on Maidstone Road, in Chatham (Kent), which has been operating since 1963 and presents itself as a benchmark for British karting. The track combines fast and slow corners, elevation changes and straights, and the venue has facilities that the company itself describes as state-of-the-art. The activity is aimed at both amateur enthusiasts and experienced drivers, with experiences adapted to different skill levels.

Driving options for adults and juniors

The offering is organised into several pathways depending on the audience and level of experience:

• Adults: participation in Open Races or championships, competing against other enthusiasts.
• Juniors: 30-minute sessions, learning at the Bambino School and the possibility of qualifying for the Junior Clubs.
• Groups: outings for gatherings of various kinds, such as days out, parties, charity fundraisers and company events. The group option is available from 12 drivers.

The process of a karting session is structured in three steps: booking a date and time, briefing and equipment on arrival, and taking to the track to compete with family, friends or colleagues.

Racing simulators

The circuit also includes racing simulators, an alternative that extends the experience beyond the track.

History and drivers developed on the track

The company links its history to the development of top-level drivers. According to its account, figures such as Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Lando Norris and Ollie Bearman have passed through Buckmore Park, and the circuit presents itself as a platform for both enthusiasts and professionals. In the 1990s it hosted its first national championship and contributed to the rise of some of the best talents of the time.

The evolution of the venue is described by decades: the original circuit was at Brompton Barracks in the 1960s; in the 1970s it was frequented by scouts, park visitors and the Rochester Motor Club, and in the late 1980s it suffered a period of neglect due to a lack of funds for its maintenance. In the 1980s, facing the risk of closure due to safety issues, new owners drove a refurbishment and resurfacing to obtain the MSA competition circuit licence, which allowed events to resume and culminated in the first RACMSA event in 1989. In 1994 the track was extended to 900 metres and in 1999 it reached its full international length, while the access road was asphalted. In the 2000s a £1.25 million clubhouse was opened with the presence of Stirling Moss, Bernie Ecclestone and John Surtees. In the 2010s, John Surtees, the landowner, acquired additional interests and consolidated commercial control of the venue.

John Surtees' legacy and current management

John Surtees, a British driver born in 1934, is remembered for being the only person to win world championships in both motorcycle racing and Formula 1. His connection with Buckmore Park endured throughout his career, and the circuit served as a training ground for young drivers. Today, Leonora Martell-Surtees, together with her husband Rich Martell-Surtees and Managing Director Philip Ling, continues to lead the project, maintaining Surtees' legacy.

Venue services and facilities

The circuit has a café and catering service, a shop, live timing, race results and lap records. It also offers the Owner Driver option and publishes information about its karts and about the rules and regulations for use.

User reviews

The company shows an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on more than 1,500 reviews from karting fans. The comments collected highlight the organisation, the preparation of the karts, the work of the track marshals, the safety of the track with crash barriers, the food served in the paddock and the attentiveness of the staff. Several reviews mention birthday experiences and group events, as well as the presence of elevation changes and demanding corners on the circuit.

Location and contact

Maidstone Rd, Chatham ME5 9QG · Email: sales@buckmore.co.uk