Donington returned to owners
The Donington Park motor racing course lease has been handed back to Donington Park Racing (DPR), after the company agreed to a refurbishment deal with the Adroit group in May. The move comes as the sport returns to the circuit following its failed bid to host the F1 Grand Prix.
The handover was advised by law firm Jacobson Browne, which has offices in Nottingham and Birmingham.
The Warwickshire-based Adroit group managed the circuit through its reopening after its Grand Prix bid was rejected.
DPR was set up in 1953 by founder Tom Wheatcroft and has managed and promoted motor racing at the historic Leicestershire circuit since 1970.
Kevin Wheatcroft, chairman of DPR and owner of Donington Park Estate, said: “I am delighted the option has been taken up for Donington Park Racing to once again operate the circuit. Racing at Donington is back and we can now assure an exciting future for the circuit and the venue.
“I would like to personally thank the Adroit Group for their tireless efforts in helping to re-open Donington. We are delighted with the first stage of improvements.”
Adroit took over the lease of the circuit in May, when it earmarked between £1.5m and £2m for refurbishment by the end of the year.
The track was left incomplete in October 2009 after funds were depleted and Wheatcroft and Son was forced to take leaseholder Donington Ventures Leisure Limited (DVLL) to court over unpaid rent arrears.
Of the deal with Adroit, Kevin Wheatcroft said at the time: “We are particularly pleased that after a long interview process, we feel that we have found the right people to move Donington forward into a new and exciting future.
“[Adroit] impressed us from the first time we met them and we have every confidence in their ability and vision for Donington.”
Racing returned to Donington Park last weekend after the circuit passed safety inspections.
