Donington Park

• Donington Park Track History

Donington Park Circuit, often referred to simply as Donington, is the oldest motorsport circuit in the UK still in operation and boasts a fascinating history that spans over a century and includes numerous milestones in motorsport.

The circuit's story began in 1931 when local landowner, Alderman John Gillies Shields, converted the estate's parkland into a racing circuit. Fred Craner was a former motorcycle rider who had taken part in seven Isle of Man TT races and was by 1931 a Derby garage owner and secretary of the Derby & District Motor Club. He approached Shields to use its roads for racing. Donington Park held its first race in 1933, featuring both motorcycle and car racing. It quickly gained popularity for its challenging layout and picturesque surroundings. The track was widened in 1933, made permanent and became a venue for Grand Prix car racing.

In the years leading up to World War II, Donington Park became a prominent venue for motorsport events, hosting prestigious races such as the Donington Grand Prix in 1935. However, the outbreak of the war halted racing activities, and the circuit was requisitioned by the military to be used as a military vehicle depot.

After the war, Donington Park fell into disrepair until it was purchased by Tom Wheatcroft in the 1971. Wheatcroft embarked on an ambitious restoration project, transforming the circuit into a modern racing facility and established the famous Grand Prix Collection at the site. In 1977, Donington Park reopened its gates to racing enthusiasts, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its history.

Over the ensuing decades, Donington Park became renowned for hosting a diverse range of motorsport events, including Formula One races, motorcycle grands prix, touring car championships, and endurance races. One of its most notable achievements was hosting the European Grand Prix in 1993, which saw Ayrton Senna secure a memorable victory. With the addition of the Melbourne Loop section in 1985 came Grand Prix motorcycle racing with the first World Championship Grand Prix event in 1987. Eventually becoming known as MotoGP, Donington was the host venue for 23 years, and was also the location for the debut round of World Superbikes in 1988, an event still held at the circuit today.

In recent years (1991), Donington Park has undergone further developments and upgrades to enhance its facilities and improve the overall racing experience. One of the most famous events at the restored circuit was the 1993 European Formula One Grand Prix, which was dominated by Ayrton Senna and featured the legendary opening lap, still described by many as the best in F1's history.

Under new ownership, 2002 the circuit is leased to Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd (DVLL) for a long-term periodambitious plans to host the Formula One British Grand Prix from 2010 onwards were left unrealised, and with the circuit in a state of disrepair, racing ceased once more at the end of 2009.

History repeated itself in 2010 DVLL goes into administration, leading to uncertainty about the circuit's future. Kevin Wheatcroft, son of Tom, rescued the circuit and rebuilt the areas left heavily damaged by the previous leaseholders. Motorsport returned to the circuit once more in the Autumn of 2010, and the circuit is again held in the highest regard by competitors, spectators and officials.

In 2018, Jonathon Palmer's MotorSport Vision (MSV) purchases Donington Park and the surrounding Donington Park Estate and the surrounding Donington Park Estate is currently under lease by MotorSport Vision until 2038 bringing stability and renewed investment to the circuit.

The FIA Formula E Championship and its teams had also constructed its headquarters at the main entrance to the circuit. All teams competing in the electric series were based at the venue, until moving to Valencia.

Today, the circuit continues to attract motorsport enthusiasts from around the world, hosting a variety of national and international events throughout the year. With its rich history, challenging layout, and scenic surroundings, Donington Park remains a beloved fixture in the world of motorsport, offering thrills and excitement to drivers and fans alike.

Further Information

Wikipedia

Historic Circuits

Racing Circuit Info