Donington Park

Donington Park Circuit, often known simply as Donington, holds the title of the oldest active motorsport circuit in the UK. With a rich history spanning over a century, it has witnessed countless motorsport milestones.

The circuit’s journey began in 1931 when local landowner Alderman John Gillies Shields converted the estate’s parkland into a race track. Fred Craner, a former motorcycle racer who had competed in seven Isle of Man TT races and was then a Derby garage owner and secretary of the Derby & District Motor Club, approached Shields with the idea of using the estate’s roads for racing. Donington Park held its first race in 1933, hosting both motorcycle and car events. The circuit quickly gained fame for its challenging layout and scenic setting. In 1933, the track was widened, made permanent, and soon became a sought-after venue for Grand Prix car racing.

In the years leading up to World War II, Donington Park established itself as a premier motorsport venue, hosting prestigious events like the Donington Grand Prix in 1935. However, with the outbreak of the war, racing came to a halt, and the circuit was repurposed as a military vehicle depot.

After the war, Donington Park fell into neglect until Tom Wheatcroft purchased the circuit in 1971. Wheatcroft embarked on an extensive restoration project, transforming Donington into a modern racing facility and establishing the renowned Grand Prix Collection. In 1977, the circuit reopened, marking the start of a new era for Donington Park.

Over the decades, Donington Park has hosted an array of major motorsport events, including Formula One, motorcycle grands prix, touring car championships, and endurance races. A highlight came in 1993 when it hosted the European Grand Prix, where Ayrton Senna captured an unforgettable victory. In 1985, the addition of the Melbourne Loop extended the track, enabling Donington to host its first World Championship Grand Prix motorcycle event in 1987, a series that later became known as MotoGP. Donington continued as a MotoGP venue for 23 years and hosted the debut round of World Superbikes in 1988, an event still held there today.

In 1991, Donington Park underwent further upgrades to enhance its facilities and improve the racing experience. The 1993 European Formula One Grand Prix, where Ayrton Senna’s opening lap remains legendary, is one of the most iconic moments in the circuit’s history.

In 2002, the circuit was leased to Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd (DVLL) with plans to host the British Grand Prix starting in 2010. However, these ambitions were not realized, and the circuit fell into disrepair, ceasing operations at the end of 2009.

In 2010, DVLL entered administration, creating uncertainty for Donington’s future. Kevin Wheatcroft, son of Tom Wheatcroft, stepped in to save the circuit, restoring damaged areas left by previous leaseholders. By autumn of 2010, racing had returned, and Donington once again earned respect from competitors, fans, and officials.

In 2018, MotorSport Vision (MSV), led by Jonathan Palmer, acquired Donington Park and its surrounding estate, securing a lease until 2038. This acquisition brought stability and fresh investment to the circuit, ensuring its future as a premier motorsport venue.

The circuit also served as the headquarters for the FIA Formula E Championship and its teams, which were based at Donington’s main entrance before later relocating to Valencia.

Today, Donington Park continues to attract motorsport enthusiasts from across the globe, hosting a variety of national and international events throughout the year. With its storied past, demanding track layout, and beautiful surroundings, Donington Park remains a cherished landmark in the motorsport world, providing excitement and challenge for drivers and fans alike.