Racing on its way back to Donington Park

AFTER  months of speculation, one of Britain's great motor racing circuits is in new hands and once again looking forward to an exciting and optimistic future.

Donington Park 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 during the simultaneous financial downturn.

The future of the facility has been in doubt ever since. However a team has now emerged to secure the site lease.

The Worcestershire-based Adroit Group faced stiff opposition from experienced motorsport names, but their mixture of acute business sense company, which has a £16m turnover,  is a construction, modular buildings and property investment specialist.

concentrating onwater, energy, infrastructure, renewable energy, health & education and rail.

Donington Park has been unused since September 2009 and all operational duties will be taken over by a newly-established arm of the Adroit Group.

Group MD David Broome commented, "It is a big task and nobody is under any illusions about that. We intend to bring the site back up to a world class standard.  The entire site needs attention whilst 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 that we have the experience, expertise and absolute commitment to bring the glory years back to Donington.

"I believe the very fact that we fully understand the task at hand and were able to convey our realism and pragmatism were factors in us winning out over the other parties," he added.

The new operator will take over the entire site which straddles the Leicestershire and Derbyshire border. Apart from the famed race track and all its attendant operational, pit and spectator facilities the lease includes: exhibition facilities, the Donington Grand Prix Collection - housing the world's largest collection of GP cars and driver's crash helmets, the Norton motorbike factory, all woodland areas and extensive parking.

Adroit have until August 1st to ready the circuit for MSA inspection. A projected £1.5-2.0m will be spent on the track by the end of the year and the first phase begins immediately.