Racing started at the site in 1926 on bicycles, motorcycling arriving in 1928. In 1954 the direction of racing changed to clockwise and in 1960 the GP extension was added. BHL Group, which owns Brands Hatch was sold to in 1999 to Octagon, a subsidiary of the US Interpublic Group which runs the World Superbike and World Endurance Series. Currently under consideration are plans to substantially remodel and renovate the circuit in order to accommodate the British F1 Grand Prix, however it now seems likely that these will not go ahead.

The circuit is 20 miles south east of London and just off the M20 motorway. Brands Hatch is the venue for the European round of the WSB Series.