Save Donnington Park Circuit

[Tarmac@TarmacSportz]

One of my work colleagues friends has arranged the following, for those on FB the link is below, for those who don't ive copied and pasted the text... Donnington Park is literally 10 mins up the road from me and has been a big part of my childhood and im sure many of yours..... watching on tv playing games etc.

 

Really sad to see it in the state its in, any support of this open day would be welcomed

 

 

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=2 ... 818&ref=mf

 

Thank you for visiting this site. No doubt, you are concerned about the future of Britain’s oldest park circuit. I’m sure you are aware of the damage caused to the track, after the extremely ill-judged intentions to redevelop the site to host Formula 1.

 

Well, after several weeks of media interest and thousands of people showing their support for the circuit, the owners of Donington Park have been so impressed, they wish to show their appreciation by turning the 7th March into a major event.

 

Despite the extremely short notice, and the disrepair of the facilities, they are doing all they can to make it a day to remember.

 

Firstly, they want to allocate separate parking areas for car and bike clubs and classic and prestige vehicles. Hopefully, with the promised turn out, this should turn into quite a display in itself – so make sure you’ve been busy with the polish!

 

Kevin Wheatcroft himself is going to invite questions and interviews on the day. This is likely to attract plenty of TV, radio and press interest.

 

They have invited the fantastic Newark-on-Tour Autojumble (courtesy of Penny Farthing Fairs http://www.penny-farthing-fairs.co.uk) to use the exhibition hall. Including various trade stalls (this, in itself needs considerable effort, due to the state Simon Gillett left the hall in), there will be every chance for the classic and vintage vehicle enthusiast to grab a bargain (entry is only £5).

 

There is a strong possibility of a “casinoâ€, so you can try your luck on the roulette or pontoon table.

 

Norton Motorcycles (http://www.spyderclub.co.uk) have confirmed they will have stands.

 

Supporters will get the chance to view the damage to the track and get some idea of the magnitude of the task involved, to restore racing to the circuit.

 

Exclusively, for the March 7th support day, Mr Wheatcroft has also pledged to offer a discounted entrance fee to the magnificent museum.

 

Nico Ferrari has been invited to display his ‘Bubble and Kick’ racing Porsche, complete with the roof signed by supporters of Donington Park at the recent Autosport International show at the Birmingham NEC.

 

Children have not been forgotten and will be provided with various rides and entertainment. Hopefully everybody will be able to witness a track rescue demonstration too.

 

As mentioned earlier, this is all being set up at extremely short notice, in recognition of all the support that has been demonstrated by everybody who has joined this group.

 

So, if you intend to attend on the day, there are a couple of things you can do to help.

 

Firstly, we wish to collect plenty of “evidence†of the fan base. It would be great if every person attending could bring at least one item of memorabilia. This could be old programmes (or photocopies of the cover, for example), children’s drawings of their experiences of watching racing, old ticket stubs or posters (or photocopies, again), letters or notes of support, anything that can be compiled into a permanent wall display. So, put your thinking cap on and see what you can bring with you on the day.

 

If you own a classic or prestige vehicle and wish to park with similar vehicles, it would be very helpful if you contacted the email address savedonington@live.co.uk with the make and model in the subject title.

 

Also, if you know several members of your club are attending, you will be offered your own specific parking area to display your vehicles. We need to know how many from your group will be there, so please email savedonington@live.co.uk with the name of your club in the subject title, and details of your numbers.

 

Many marshals have been in touch, offering their help on the day. If you are a marshal and wish to help too, please contact me at the same address, so I can pass your details on to the security staff. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

 

I have been asked many times about merchandise. Car stickers are looking likely, as are “official†T-shirts. The stickers will probably be £1 each and the T-shirts will be £10. All comments welcome. If there is enough interest, there will be a limited number available.

 

I have also had a significant number of people enquiring about possible cash donations. I always believed it was more important to regularly spend money on tickets attending as many races and events as possible at the site. However there are suggestions of a “Save Donington membership club†currently being discussed. The initial thoughts were to have two levels – a general level applicable for any size of donation over £10, which would include a membership certificate and inclusion on a ‘plaque/memorial’ of some sort on a newly-named ‘Save Donington’ embankment on the circuit. Then a higher level (probably donations above £100), which would include the same as the general level plus an invitation to a ‘Save Donington’ track day(s). This would be a specific date (or dates depending on the numbers) where members could come along and drive their own car around the newly-repaired track. It is important to the owners that they stress they have no wish to monetize the goodwill shown and the effort everyone is going to, but they believe it could be a good way to show their appreciation and to ensure that everyone felt ‘involved’ and a permanent part of Donington’s history. All donations received would be going straight back into repairing the circuit, the Dunlop bridge, and a possible statue of Tom Wheatcroft. They are keen to read your opinions and feedback, so please send your thoughts to savedonington@live.co.uk.

 

The owners are also keen to hear any suggestions you feel may improve your experience of events at the circuit. If you have any constructive advice, they will gladly consider your opinions.

 

This is now an entirely mutual event. We are showing our support, and the staff at Donington Park are showing their appreciation. This is all due to the affection you have all expressed towards the racing circuit. I’m sure the 7th March will have a significant part to play in its future.

 

Well done all, and do make sure you keep spreading the word.

 

 

Lee Coombs