AN ICONIC West Fife venue is preparing to celebrate five decades of action-packed racing by hosting a special event later this month.

Knockhill Racing Circuit is, throughout 2024, celebrating 50 years of high-class motorsport action.

Scotland's national motorsport centre, located to the north of Dunfermline, hosts two of the biggest competitions on the British racing calendar, in the shape of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) and the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, during a busy annual calendar.

Knockhill Racing Circuit will celebrate 50 years since it first opened later this month.Knockhill Racing Circuit will celebrate 50 years since it first opened later this month. (Image: Jakob Ebrey Photography.)

There has been an added dimension to many of this year's events in recognition of the landmark, but celebrations will move up a gear over the weekend of September 21-22.

Knockhill opened on September 22 1974, becoming Scotland's first purpose-built, full-time motor racing circuit, changing the country's racing scene forever, and, 50 years to the day, that anniversary will be marked during a 50th Anniversary Bike Festival.

READ MORE: Knockhill to host bike festival to celebrate 50-year landmark

Scottish champions from across the five decades will be invited back to part in a unique 'parade of champions' within a special 'rewind' racing event, marking 50 years of bike sport at Knockhill.

From a challenging first decade, when multiple operators failed to get Knockhill off the ground, it was not until the ownership moved from Tom Kinnaird to Derek Butcher, who raced at the opening meeting in 1974, 10 years later that four decades of investment followed to create the FIA world Grade Three circuit, capable of hosting British Superbikes and Touring Cars in front of 20 000 people.

Derek Butcher, who owned Knockhill of almost 40 years, pictured rounding McIntyres Corner at the first meeting in 1974, not knowing that he would own the track 10 years later.Derek Butcher, who owned Knockhill of almost 40 years, pictured rounding McIntyres Corner at the first meeting in 1974, not knowing that he would own the track 10 years later. (Image: Jim Moir.)

Racing stars that are set to be present include TT legend John McGuinness, rising star Rory Skinner, world endurance champion Brian Morrison, as well as Scottish, British, European and TT title winners, who all started at Knockhill, and would even feature on the world championship stage.

For full event details, visit www.knockhill.com/events.

Stuart Gray, director of events at Knockhill, said: "This is going to be a memorable weekend.

"50 years of Scottish bikesport will be celebrated both on and off track and we cannot wait to share our history with fans who have been part of our journey since 1974."

Tickets can be bought in advance on Knockhill's website, or at the gate.