Donington Park Circuit
Sightseeing attraction | Derby | England | United Kingdom
The Donington Park Circuit in Derby, England, is one of the most well-known and historically significant motorsport tracks in the UK. As the country's first permanent racing circuit, opened in 1931, it holds a special place in British motorsport history and is considered the oldest still in use of its kind. Located in the East Midlands region, near the city of Derby and adjacent to East Midlands Airport, it offers a picturesque parkland setting that has evolved over the decades into a mecca for racing fans.
The history of Donington Park Circuit began in the 1930s, when Fred Craner, a former motorcycle racer and secretary of the Derby and District Motor Club, had the vision to create a race track north of the then-dominant Brooklands. Craner convinced the then-owner of Donington Hall estate, John Gillies Shields, to use the estate's extensive roads for races. The first motorcycle race took place in 1931, and by 1933 the track was widened and paved to allow for Grand Prix races with cars. In the following years, Donington experienced its heyday, particularly in 1937 and 1938, when the German "Silver Arrows" of Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union dominated the track and attracted tens of thousands of spectators. Famous drivers like Rudolf Caracciola and Bernd Rosemeyer provided unforgettable moments as they reached speeds of up to 270 km/h.
During World War II, Donington Park was used as a storage facility for military vehicles and subsequently fell into disrepair. It wasn't until the 1970s that it was revived by Tom Wheatcroft, a businessman and motorsport enthusiast. Wheatcroft purchased the site, restored the track, and reopened it for races in 1977. Since then, the Donington Park Circuit has experienced highs and lows, including a memorable appearance in Formula 1 in 1993 when the European Grand Prix was held here. Ayrton Senna's legendary first lap in challenging weather conditions is considered one of the greatest moments in motorsport history. However, a planned move of the British Grand Prix from Silverstone to Donington from 2010 onwards failed due to financial issues with the operators, and since 2011 the track has been owned by the MotorSport Vision group under Jonathan Palmer, which has stabilized its operation.
The track itself is known in two main configurations: the "Grand Prix Circuit" at approximately 4 kilometers in length, and the shorter "National Circuit" at around 3.2 kilometers. It is characterized by a challenging combination of fast straights, technical corners, and elevation changes that make it popular among drivers. Famous sections include the "Craner Curves," a fast, downhill sequence of corners, and the "Melbourne Hairpin," a tight hairpin turn that is often the scene of dramatic overtakes. These layouts offer a challenge for both professionals and amateurs, making Donington a staple in racing series such as the British Superbikes, the British Touring Car Championship, and the World Superbikes.
In addition to motorsport, Donington Park is also known for hosting other events. The annual Download Festival, a significant rock and metal event that originated from the former Monsters of Rock, has been using the site for many years and attracts thousands of music fans. Until 2018, the track also housed the Donington Grand Prix Collection, a museum with the world's largest collection of Grand Prix racing cars, founded by Wheatcroft and impressively documenting the history of motorsport.
For visitors, Donington Park Circuit offers various experiences. On race days, the stands and spectator areas fill up with fans enjoying the thrilling atmosphere, while guided tours on other days provide behind-the-scenes insights, such as into the pit lanes or control rooms. Track days allow private individuals to drive the track with their own vehicles, with strict noise restrictions to protect the surroundings. The natural beauty of the parkland, combined with its proximity to Derby, makes it an attractive destination even outside of events.
Culinary options during events include numerous stands offering snacks like fish and chips or burgers, complemented by bars and cafes providing a relaxed break. The park surroundings invite leisurely walks, and the proximity to East Midlands Airport and historic sites like Donington Hall, which was once the headquarters of the airline BMI, adds an extra dimension to the experience.
Donington Park Circuit is more than just a racing track – it is a living piece of motorsport history that blends tradition and modernity. Despite setbacks like the failed Formula 1 project, it remains a symbol of Britain's passion for motorsport and a place that offers speed, adrenaline, and cultural diversity. For motorsport fans, music lovers, or simply the curious, Donington is an unforgettable destination capturing the dynamic spirit of the East Midlands.
