The Donington Park circuit in the UK has been bought from the current owners, Tom Wheatcroft & Sons, by Donington Venture Leisure Ltd., along with the Donington Collection of F1 cars and surrounding lands.
VR met with DVLL principal, Simon Gillett who said: “My grandfather was a prewar mechanic here with Billy Cotton, and my father had the concession to tow racecars from the gravel for many years, and I raced bikes here. This is a commercial venture but I am very enthusiastic about motor sport. I have wanted to see the facilities here improved for many years, and now that will happen.”
Gillett will have a personal hand in the management of the Donington Collection, envisioning much wider educational and leisure programs to make it more exciting. He also does not rule out the possibility of hosting the British Grand Prix should the offer be made when the contract with Silverstone runs out in 2009. Tom Wheatcroft was appointed president of the new company, which paid £30M for the deal.
by Ed McDonough
