New Donington lease signed - racing to return from September

Racing could resume at Donington as soon as September after an agreement was reached in principle to lease the blighted circuit to the Worcestershire-based Adroit group.

The 25 year lease allows plenty of time for the group – which specialises in construction, infrastructure and energy – to bring the circuit “Back up to a world class standard”, according to MD David Broome. “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” he continued. £1.5-2m has already been earmarked to be spent on the track by the year’s end.

Adroit’s Operations Director Steve Watton says he intends to spread the range of sports Donington is able to host: “It is a vast and multi-faceted site and our approach will dictate that no one element will suck the attention, life and finances from any other.

“Quite the opposite, everything must enhance everything else.  Not only will we bring existing aspects back up to scratch but we intend to make exciting new introductions that will not demand huge capital outlay but will make best use of what we already have on our doorstep.

“We will develop new income streams whilst broadening the range of facilities and events from exhibitions to new sports.”

All being well the next racing to take place at currently dormant Donington will be the Master car racing Series on 3- 4 September and the British Touring Car Championship on the 5th.