Thousands of fans flocked to a sunny Brands Hatch last weekend as the Kent venue took on a foreign flavour by hosting American SpeedFest II.

Spectators were treated to great entertainment both on and off the track, with a pair of NASCAR Whelen Euro Series contests headlining a racing line-up that also included stunning Can-Am cars, V8s and pickup trucks. Festivities were closed with a parade of a large and varied collection of American vehicles on the Indy Circuit.

Ander Vilarino and Wilfried Boucenna shared the spoils in the NASCAR races, with Vilarino claiming an impressive victory in the day’s showcase event. The race followed a spectacular opening ceremony featuring cheerleaders, an aerobatic display from a T-6 Texan and a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner.

Both race winners were able to celebrate their victories on a special stage at Victory Lane in direct view of the fans, spraying each other with champagne amidst explosions of confetti. Eastenders actor Shane Richie was on hand to present the trophies.

The home fans also had someone to cheer-on in the form of Bradley Smith, who was able to charge from the back of the pack to claim eighth position in only his first weekend in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series as a guest driver of the series’ title sponsor.

In addition to the appearance of hundreds of US cars on the track, a number of other special sights took to the Brands Hatch tarmac, including two powerful dragsters which demonstrated their sonic power. There was also a special display marking the 50th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang, featuring models from each year of the motoring icon’s production run.

Along with the roar and rumble of the engines, SpeedFest fans were treated to a different kind of American sound with live music on the Victory Lane Live Music stage throughout the day.

This featured El Camino, Houndogs, Fat Walters Band, and Elvis. The continuous soundtrack was also provided by Radio SpeedFest and its four-strong commentary team, featuring Sky Sports anchor Kevin Cadle, Mark Werrell, Chris Hartley and Paul Musselle.

Monster Trucks and MBS Europe’s Big Air Show of mountainboarders provided the thrills in the Live Action Arena, while a high ropes course, zip-line and Bagjump’s freejump platform put fans’ nerves to the test. Free entertainers, face painters, a bouncy castle and adventure playground kept the youngest SpeedFest-goers entertained during a perfect summer’s day at Brands Hatch.