Race is on to get Donington Park roaring again
Jun 7 2010 By Graeme Brown
A West Midland company is being charged with bringing the former Grand Prix venue Donington Park back to its former glory. Graeme Brown speaks to the new men in charge of the lease about what is needed to get the dilapidated venue back on track.
The new leaseholders of the world famous Donington Park circuit are confident their latest venture will be a profitable one – but it is set to be a bumpy ride.
Bromsgrove family business Adroit has taken over the iconic race track and aims to restore it to its glory days.
But a return to grace will require millions of pounds of investment after previous leaseholder Donington Ventures’ bid to bring the British Grand Prix to the venue failed and left it facing uncertain times, with a track covered in holes and communications systems in a dilapidated condition.
Adroit operations director Steve Watton said there was an enormous amount of good will for the operation, as Donington has hosted some memorable moments in the history of motorsport, not least the 1993 European Grand Prix, where Ayrton Senna won after a memorable drive in the rain.
He believes there are many opportunities to create revenue streams from the investment – but admitted bringing grand prix racing back to the circuit was not part of the plan.
He said: “The leaseholder had arranged a 17-year deal with Bernie Ecclestone to run the grand prix at Donington Park but of course the facility had to change considerably to enable that.
“It was the onset of this which ended up with the circuit being in the state it is now.”
Mr Watton said the notion of winning back the grand prix contract was not in the group’s business plan. He added: “That is not the plan. For a start Silverstone has a contract for 17 years and we are sure they will do a good job and do British motorsport proud.’’
Donington Park, in Leicestershire, has been part of the fabric of British motor racing for 80 years but in recent times it found itself mired in operational and financial turmoil.
The euphoria of being awarded the British Grand Prix ahead of Silverstone was swiftly followed by the reality of delivering on massive intentions and promises amid the simultaneous financial downturn.
David Broome, managing director of construction and property group Adroit, said that upheaval had taken its toll on the 650-acre site, owned by Kevin Wheatcroft.
Mr Broome said: “It is a big task and nobody is under any illusions about that. We intend to bring the site back up to world class standard. Much of it will require a total overhaul from the track itself to the medical centre, hospitality suites, phone, radio and PA systems, IT systems, CCTV and general ground work.
“There is no magic wand, but through a calm, cautious, credible and sensible approach we know we have the experience, expertise and commitment to bring the glory years back to Donington.”
