The future of one of Britain’s greatest race circuits, Donington Park, has been spectacularly confirmed by the launch of its own annual Historic Festival—a new venture that aims to rival the very best UK and international historic motorsport events. The inaugural Festival is scheduled to take place on the weekend of April 30–May 2, 2011.
To help establish the Donington Historic Festival as a showcase for the very best historic racing, Donington has teamed up with well-known race organizer Duncan Wiltshire, who will be responsible for running the event from 2011 onward.
Says Kevin Wheatcroft, the circuit’s owner, “After a period of uncertainty, Donington Park’s future as a race circuit is now assured. The circuit has a fabulous history that is an important part of British heritage, from the days of the pre-War Silver Arrows GP cars right through to modern times. The launch of the Donington Historic Festival is one example of how we intend the circuit not only to survive, but to thrive in the years to come.”
As the son of Tom Wheatcroft, who bought the long-disused and derelict race circuit in 1971 and reopened it for racing in 1977 thanks to huge personal investment, Kevin Wheatcroft is carrying on a family tradition by honoring Donington’s history.
Meanwhile, Wiltshire, who will be running the Festival in partnership with Donington, believes that the event has something fresh to offer the historic racing world.
“The Donington Historic Festival aims to fill a very clear hole in the calendar,” states Wiltshire, “by placing the needs and wishes of owners, drivers and knowledgeable enthusiasts at its heart. This will be a truly prestigious annual event, inviting only the very best race series and the highest-calibre cars and drivers. We aim to delight serious historic motorsport fans, and the owners of the most original, most fascinating and most important cars, by focusing on the pure motor racing experience, over and above any add-on attractions.”
The first annual Donington Historic Festival will take place on the Bank Holiday weekend of April 30–May 2, 2011. Further information will follow, as individual races are confirmed.
