Donington this weekend - Is it on? - It is NOW! - And there's more! - Page 11

**Peter Mallett** · 12 Apr 2009, 14:51 (Ref:2439317)

Quote:

Originally Posted by grantp

AFAIK this wasn't in any queue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Whilst I don't necessarily see an issue with the outside of the track, because the barrier runs to the limit of the gravel trap, the inside barrier is too close.

BTW. Is that Maggie's Smart car in one of those pics?

Yes it was in response to the above.

Quote:

Originally Posted by grantp

Peter,

Is that a comment about the post I made with several photo links (one probably including a Smart car) which does not seem to have appeared as yet? I assume it is still in the moderation queue?

If not then ignore this and I'll leave it the next check until later tonight. Recent weather means the grass cutter (temperamental 4 stroke thing) needs to be chivvied into action for the rest of the afternoon ...

Edit: Judging by the speed at which this came through I would guess not. I wonder if something else happened to it? Quite possible as I am working across 2 machines today ...

Grant

See my reply above.

Quote:

Originally Posted by grantp

More of the same?

BTW I received an e mail from Steve Carr today which thanked everyone for their efforts at Donington.

compte deGraves · 12 Apr 2009, 17:37 (Ref:2439375)

Quote:

Originally Posted by terence bower

One can live in hope Comte,it would be a wonderfull opportunity for Silverstone,get this years GP out of the way and then look at getting something up and running that would put GW in the shade,how it used to be.Lets face it,the GP circus is just that.How often do you get to see a "race" these days? Most of the drivers are aware of the result the day before! Personally,I could'nt care less if the GP doe's only run at Bernies chosen cash cow venues.

Wise words, Terence. The world does not end merely because one looses a GP. British fans are famous (even in France) for their passion for Formula One. Starved of a GP maybe they will turn to historic GP - and club racing can only benefit.

The STIG · 12 Apr 2009, 17:50 (Ref:2439381)

Not only that, but without a loss making enterprise on it's [MSA's] hands, prehaps a bit more money can be freed up for development of the sport

terence · 12 Apr 2009, 21:30 (Ref:2439480)

Quote:

Originally Posted by compte deGraves

Wise words, Terence. The world does not end merely because one looses a GP. British fans are famous (even in France) for their passion for Formula One. Starved of a GP maybe they will turn to historic GP - and club racing can only benefit.

That would be the desired result Comte,but in reality? I somehow doubt that club racing would benefit from the loss.Overall I think that F3/BTCC etc would feel the benefit first off.

PTRACER · 12 Apr 2009, 21:52 (Ref:2439488)

I suppose it depends which fans you are talking about; armchair enthusiasts who are happy to watch it on TV, or those that pay out several hundred quid to watch it on a large TV at the track.

I've missed maybe one or two Grand Prix in the last 10 years on the television and there is no chance of me ever paying to watch one as a spectator at the track. Without a British GP, I will still happily watch the other 17/18 races.

The fans that only ever go to a circuit when a Grand Prix is on would most likely stay at home instead and those who see both Grand Prix and other race series as well, would just continue going to the meetings they've always been going to.

grantp · 12 Apr 2009, 22:02 (Ref:2439494)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

AFAIK this wasn't in any queue.

Yes it was in response to the above.

See my reply above.

More of the same?

Peter,

Ah, that's weird. I could see your message but not mine with the list of pics. When posting I got an 'In moderation queue' message. Hence my question. Refreshed the screen several times and checked on another PC and still nothing appeared.

Anyway, I reposted just in case I had screwed up with the same message and the same result - nothing appeared. So yes, it was more of the same and ripe for deletion.

Odd. Do all messages with links autmatically bring up the 'Moderation' message when posted?

Glad it is all sorted and my apologies for any confusion and work caused. Thanks for the response.

Grant

john ruston · 14 Apr 2009, 10:51 (Ref:2440350)

So Donnington has lost its license and the developers are looking for funds which they are unlikely to find.
Whats happens now?
Tom buys the lease back for next to nothing which allows his mate Bernie to screw BRDC for a final time and control ownership at Silverstone and everyone has got what they want.Bernie would make a better owner than present lot at Silverstone and become the saviour of the British GP

Couldn't make it up.

simon drabble · 14 Apr 2009, 11:00 (Ref:2440360)

so maybe Wilkinshaw and the others trying to capitalize the assets of BRDC in recent times were not the ogres they were painted to be at the time!

**Peter Mallett** · 14 Apr 2009, 11:06 (Ref:2440365)

Hmm,

I'm sorry if this is the end of the plans, although if it is I'm not surprised at all. Certainly your scenario is not without its humorous side but Bernie as the saviour of the BGP?

As an aside, my mum knew Tom Wheatcroft when he was just a developer, he employed the qauntity surveying company she worked for in London. Can't see him making the mistakes that this team seems to have made.

simon drabble · 14 Apr 2009, 11:09 (Ref:2440367)

presumably if they break the clauses within their lease it will revert back to him - as JR said he and Bernie must be having a wry old chuckle

**Peter Mallett** · 14 Apr 2009, 11:11 (Ref:2440368)

In the meantime, Masters has a big event there soon.....................................

Mike Bell · 14 Apr 2009, 11:26 (Ref:2440378)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

In the meantime, Masters has a big event there soon.....................................

Quite. Car is ready, hotel rooms paid for and a chance to do Guards at S'stone turned down. Along with many others, will be well p****d if it doesn't happen!

Piglet · 14 Apr 2009, 11:27 (Ref:2440379)

Quote:

Originally Posted by john ruston

So Donnington has lost its license and the developers are looking for funds which they are unlikely to find.
Whats happens now?
Tom buys the lease back for next to nothing which allows his mate Bernie to screw BRDC for a final time and control ownership at Silverstone and everyone has got what they want.Bernie would make a better owner than present lot at Silverstone and become the saviour of the British GP

Couldn't make it up.

I don't get why the lease reverting to TW would give him any control of Silverstone?

**Peter Mallett** · 14 Apr 2009, 11:38 (Ref:2440385)

The GP deal would be off and John thinks that Bernie would twist Silverstone's arm.

JimW · 14 Apr 2009, 11:50 (Ref:2440395)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Hmm,

I'm sorry if this is the end of the plans, although if it is I'm not surprised at all. Certainly your scenario is not without its humorous side but Bernie as the saviour of the BGP?

As an aside, my mum knew Tom Wheatcroft when he was just a developer, he employed the qauntity surveying company she worked for in London. Can't see him making the mistakes that this team seems to have made.

Hmm indeed. Don't forget that Tom Wheatcroft is Chairman of the company currently "running" Donington.

Jim

Piglet · 14 Apr 2009, 11:54 (Ref:2440401)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

The GP deal would be off and John thinks that Bernie would twist Silverstone's arm.

Oh I see...not sure how that would work. BCE has said No to the BGP being at Silverstone so he's not likely to go to them on bended knees and as Silverstone had already said that they weren't prepared to pay what BCE wanted I would imagine it will go somewhere a bit hotter won't it?

Piglet · 14 Apr 2009, 11:57 (Ref:2440402)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimW

Hmm indeed. Don't forget that Tom Wheatcroft is Chairman of the company currently "running" Donington.

Jim

Does anyone know how the lease structure works?

TW owns the freehold (through a company?), Long lease granted to Gillets mob? Operating/short term lease owned by TW/company employing TW?

simon drabble · 14 Apr 2009, 12:04 (Ref:2440407)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piglet

Oh I see...not sure how that would work. BCE has said No to the BGP being at Silverstone so he's not likely to go to them on bended knees and as Silverstone had already said that they weren't prepared to pay what BCE wanted I would imagine it will go somewhere a bit hotter won't it?

or colder.... I think the CEE region is a more likely candidate... As they are planning to redevelop Baku Port maybe that could become the new Monaco GP!!

The STIG · 14 Apr 2009, 12:05 (Ref:2440408)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimW

Hmm indeed. Don't forget that Tom Wheatcroft is Chairman of the company currently "running" Donington.

Jim

I do believe that he is in fact, the President, with Kevin Wheatcroft as a special adviser. I am not sure how much influence they have...

Quote:

Donington Park founder Tom Wheatcroft has agreed to join the company and will assume the role of President with immediate effect. Kevin Wheatcroft also joins the company as special advisor and brings expertise and knowledge that will help develop and promote the Donington Grand Prix Collection

http://www.doningtonparkleisure.co.uk/news/story.asp

simon drabble · 14 Apr 2009, 12:16 (Ref:2440417)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

In the meantime, Masters has a big event there soon.....................................

If this is moved to Rockingham it will be a reunion for both Top Hat (whose first race was there if my memory serves me right at that one off festival) and of course Mr Tate who is a central figure of Rockingham's history

john ruston · 14 Apr 2009, 13:25 (Ref:2440468)

Rons money in Rockingham?
BRDC needs Bernie more than Bernie needs BRDC.
Lets hope someone makes Rockingham into something worthwhile.
NASCAR would have been a better bet than Indy Cars and a decent road course.

Its all a bit of a mess ,now back to woes of Donnington
Certain that neither Bernie nor Tom will lose.

Dave 455 · 14 Apr 2009, 14:05 (Ref:2440498)

The circuit currently has all 4 licences suspended, international car (FIA),
national car (MSA), international bike and national bike.
They are saying it will be a quicker fix to get the bike licences back than the car one's. The FIA are having another look at the track today as Donington cancelled last weeks inspection, they are then going to get Tilke to have another look at what can be done to get the car licence back.

Peter Horsman · 14 Apr 2009, 16:12 (Ref:2440581)

We know from the Abbey fiasco that the MSA will not grant a national car licence (sic) if the FIA refuse the international one (sic).

Unless of course, they decide to apply different principles.........

By the way, the F3/GT site has not said that Don at the end of April is off.

Andrew Kitson · 14 Apr 2009, 16:28 (Ref:2440597)

F3/GT meeting is postponed until July 18/19 according to SRO on the Autosport website.

john ruston · 15 Apr 2009, 06:38 (Ref:2441028)

AMOC looking to move May 5th meeting to Rockingham . Entrants asked if they agreed to move yesterday.

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