New hope for Donington

Racing will make a welcome return to Donington Park over the first weekend of September when a Masters Classic Festival heralds the re-opening of the circuit.

Having lain dormant for over a year following the abortive attempt by Simon Gillett to turn Donington into a venue for the British Grand Prix, the East Midlands track will now be restored by Kevin Wheatcroft, son of late circuit owner Tom, and will re-open with three days of racing on September 3-5.

Since Gillett’s company went bust in December, Wheatcroft has been in negotiations with various parties over the future of the track. However, he has now decided to get the circuit up and running once more before seeking a new owner or operator. Estimates suggest that up to £2 million will need to be spent to make good the damage done to the venue.

“The plans to re-open the new and improved Donington Park are progressing well,” said Wheatcroft. “We are confident that the track can be re-opened for testing during August.”

The Masters Festival will include demonstrations by cars from the Donington Collection and a full programme of Masters racing, with a race into the dusk of Saturday evening. Other events scheduled for the balance of the season at Donington are expected to go ahead as planned.