Donington Park gets new owner

A historic GP car passes by Donington Park's famous Spitfire

Picture: Donington Park

Thistoric Donington Park circuit in England has a new owner, after being sold to a private consortium.

Donington Ventures Leisure Limited (DVLL), led by founders Simon Gillett and Lee Gill, has acquired the operating rights to the circuit from former owners, Live Nation (formerly the Clear Channel Group). The deal also sees the company purchasing a substantial amount of surrounding land and the historic Donington Grand Prix Collection from Wheatcroft & Sons. The collection is the largest of its kind in the world.

The acquisitions will allow the company to further develop the circuit and motor sport events but also widen its appeal in leisure and entertainment.

Family links retained

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.

This is an exciting new chapter in the history of Donington Park and will bring significant investment.

Tom Wheatcroft

"We are naturally delighted and very proud to have acquired Donington Park," said Simon Gillett. "The circuit is steeped in motor racing heritage and has an incredibly fond place in the heart of every motor racing enthusiast whether on two or four wheels.

"We are absolutely committed to realising the full potential of the Park by making the necessary investments in current and future events that will see Donington revitalised ensuring its leading position as one of the most iconic racing circuits in the world. To that end and for 2007, we have created the best racing calendar for years, with two of the highlights being, the return of World Superbikes on its 20th anniversary and the holding of the World Motorcross Grand Prix."

Last season also saw the circuit host rounds of the Le Mans Series, World Series By Renault, BTCC and British F3 Championships.

Future plans

DVLL is already planning a series of phased developments that include improvements to the spectator facilities, expanded and enhanced corporate hospitality facilities and improvements to the exhibition and conference centres.

Longer term, DVLL will explore opportunities to expand into a wide range of leisure oriented facilities and examine investments that are complementary to the expanding local area.

Tom Wheatcroft added: "This is an exciting new chapter in the history of Donington Park. It will bring significant investment, new energy, innovative ideas and a broader and more international customer base. I am really looking forward to working with DVLL in what promises to be an exciting next chapter of this great and only active circuit in the country with a history going back over 75 years."

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