Whats happenng at Donington Park?

[verglas]

MN today announces that Donington Park has been sold to a 'mystery' consortium, although Tom Wheatcroft remains as landlord. Anyone got any info on this, and what is the likely impact on club motorsport?

[PaulSands]

I know nothing. But I think Clear Channel owned the lease while Tom Wheatcroft remained the circuit owner. I would assume the lease has been sold on as I believe Clear Channel had been wanting out for some time

[R59]

And the chances of Donington becoming cheaper to test at are.......

[JamesH]

The MN article says the lease was bought by 'motorsport' people/enthusiasts.

So god knows what's going to happen.

James

[ss_collins]

If this is what I was briefed about around three years ago its a very good thing, and the people involved are serious.

[Stephen Green]

So spill the beans then Sam

[ss_collins]

Not sure this is correct as my information does date back a couple of years at least but the group is called motorsport innovation or Innovation motorsport, one of the leading figures in the consortium is Nicky Grist, there was a lot of secrecy but I know they had some big plans for the track and also creating a rally academy there (using the dust gathering Ford RST buggies).

Grist was at the Castle Combe Rally day maybe three years ago with one of the RST buggies in the consotiums colours maybe someone has a pic?

I wasn't told where the money was coming from, but I assume that the plan had died as I'd heard nothing. I'm reluctant to say much more as I'm relying on memory of conversations and information three years out of date. As I'm not as clued up on the happenings on the UK scene now (not being on MN anymore) I doubt I'll get more up to date info - though I'm certain those at MN know more than they have said.

[andy97]

I hope that this comes off and to the benefit of British motorsport. It seems to me that DP needs someone to take charge of it who is passionate and can, and is willing, to provide decent investment. The circuit remains brilliant but I don't think that a good job was made of the new pit facilities and the spectator facilities/ loos/paddock/ drivers facilities are all poor. The circuit has lost the DTM and the Le Mans series and needs to take care to look after its future viability as a major international venue.

[Peter Horsman]

The deal is scheduled to complete on 31 January. SS Collins is broadly correct.

[Chris Y]

I hope they're going to fix the PA system.

It's always been a bit pants

[Eddy V]

... he said, tongue in cheek.

[dazbaz_99]

Can you spill the beans on the story behind that photo?

[Flat12-Aircool]

I went the LMS and Renault World Series this year at Donington and can only really give the circuit 6/10 max.

I think layout wise they need to rethink what they are doing with the Melbourne loop, because the circuit needs the option of a longer straight and the section from Coppice to Fogarty is just not long enough IMO when using the full Grand prix circuit. Even the shorter National circuit should have a bypass of Fogarty's to make it one big straight for all the Car's and still use the chicane for the bikes.

Facility wise the Grandstands are pityful TBO and the Toilets for the most part are just plain disgusting! Food stalls run out of stock too soon, and are not widely available. The P.A. system is barely adequete and the Radio commentry is very difficult to pick up in places.

Other than that it has lots of potential if somebody with enough money and patience can come in and "grab the bull by the horns" as it were. And be prepared to extend the circuit layout if needs be.

[bdwoody]

Originally Posted by Flat12-Aircool

the shorter National circuit should have a bypass of Fogarty's to make it one big straight for all the Car's

Just how fast do you want to be going ioto turn 1?

[andy97]

I agree with you about the facilities (and the new pit garages are very poor) but the national circuit is awesome as it is.

The problem with the Melbourne loop is that if they tried to lengthen it (to be of similar length to the pre- war circuit) they fear that they would run into planning problems with Derbytshire County Council. They had massive problems with planning when the circuit re-opened in the 70's, and that was just dealing with NW Leicestershire. The rest of the old Melbourne loop is in Derbyshire and Ton Wheatcroft did not want the hassle of dealing with 2 different Councils. That might still be an issue.

Personally, I am hoping that the new operators improve the facilities massively and also PROMOTE their own race meetings. As a local resident, I also think that the facility could be used (to help offset any objections to development) to provide additional resources of benefit to others in the area eg Workshops for the students at local schools or Derby & Loughborough Universities to hone their skills; Young driver training; Cycling or running clubs around the grounds; a Youth club etc.

[IAN #51]

I understand what your saying about the GP circuit but it does make a bit more sense on 150BHP bike.As for the national circuit i thinks its one of the best circuits in the country fast flowing and quite challenging.My one criticism of Donnington is everytime i go there either as driver or spectator i feel that there only one step away from picking you up by the ankles and shaking all the money out of your pockets.

I think anybody with a motorsport background can help Donington move forward and im all fo that.

[Suze]

I don't know if that is why Castle Combe have done it, but they work closely with the local colleges and have facilities etc at the track for the students. I personally think it's a great idea that a circuit is prepared to work closely with a local college and if I was a student there, I wouldn't complain either! I think it's a good area DP should certainly look at, and it's been shown already by CC it can be done successfully.

Originally Posted by andy97

Personally, I am hoping that the new operators improve the facilities massively and also PROMOTE their own race meetings. As a local resident, I also think that the facility could be used (to help offset any objections to development) to provide additional resources of benefit to others in the area eg Workshops for the students at local schools or Derby & Loughborough Universities to hone their skills; Young driver training; Cycling or running clubs around the grounds; a Youth club etc.

[andy97]

Any news? I thought there was to be an announcement at the end of January.

[strider]

I believe the changeover took place on February 1. I was told the names of the new owners, but they rang no bells with me and I've now forgotten them. Nicky Grist may be a consultant, but his name wasn't mentioned.

Overall, I think it's a good thing. The present leaseholders have clearly not been interested for a while. The management team is fine, but they'll be more motivated with solid support behind them and, of course, there will be some changes. Don't be surprised if the deal includes more than just the circuit.

[JimW]

Interesting to see that the MotoCross GP is coming to Donington. And Simon Gilett is a name I heard mentioned in connection with the new operators.

See http://www.tmxnews.co.uk/content_dat...ton/index.html

Regards

Jim

[Dean Watson]

Originally Posted by JimW

Interesting to see that the MotoCross GP is coming to Donington. And Simon Gilett is a name I heard mentioned in connection with the new operators.


Regards

Jim

just picked this up off pitpass donnington has been SOLD and yes Jim according to this article Simon Gilett is connected with the new venture

http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpa...s_art_id=30480

more details on the above link

It will be interesting to see what is done with all the "extra surrounding land"

[andy97]

Originally Posted by deanowat1

It will be interesting to see what is done with all the "extra surrounding land"

It would be a good start if they just kicked the bl00dy gippos off.

[HORNDAWG]

Donington sold to a private consortium. Does this mean a better facility for the fans? http://www.automobilsport.com/

L.P.

[old man]

It remains to be seen, I assume you have not visited Horndawg as it is a long way accross the pond but last year the pits were rebuilt with little regard for car racing. They are on an incline and so each was given a flat apron that featured a tapered step between each pit (or was it every other pit?). This stopped the cars pulling close to the pit garage thus making the pit lane narrow and crowded. The arrangement was fine for bikes and I expect the facility to be a bikers circuit. They had a good scoreboard system when the circuit re-opened 20 years or more ago but it has not worked for a while and is now used just as a static advertising hoarding, as we have said here many times the LMS race last year was difficult to follow and Donington does not have an international sportscar race this year

[Flat12-Aircool]

Yeh I agree, the recent Pitwork has done nothing to change most peoples opinion that it is mainly a bikers circuit.

I've read some News reports about the recent takeover and for some to suggest that Donington could try and get Formula 1 back is just a total joke! It would need so many changes to facilities & the track that it just wouldn't be worth it.

Obviously the current pits are here to stay so I expect the continuation of MotoGP is still the best that the circuit can hope for in the foreseeable future.