| DONINGTON PARK has been decimated and decapitated by a venture too far. Thanks to the huge efforts
of Kevin Wheatcroft and public supporters racing has returned.
The Dunlop Bridge has gone from the Starkeys Straight. The kink between Starkeys Straight leading onto Wheatcroft Straight has been brought back from the Grandstand about 50 metres. No further plans are afoot to bring Formula One to Donington but I think true racers and fans will survive. | ||||
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CIRCUIT LOCATION : Donington Park Lesiure Ltd Donington Park Castle Donington Derby DE74 2RP |
CIRCUIT CONTACT : tel : 01332 810048 fax : 01332 850422 email : web: www.donington-park.co.uk |
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HOW TO GET THERE from the North M1 South to Junction 23A then A453 West. from the South M1 North to Junction 23A then A453 West. from the East A52 to Nottingham then A453 to M1 J24. from the West A50 East from Uttoxeter then A516 until it joins the A6 South the the M1. |
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| DONINGTON PARK - track length | ||
| Grand Prix circuit 2.50 miles 4.02 km |
National circuit 1.96 miles 3.15 km |
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| VIEWING - Donington is difficult to beat for viewing when you consider the events that are or can be held here. From Formula One to Truck Racing, World Superbikes to Moto GP (also ex-WRC venue). The Paddock is usually accessible with Touring Car walkabout periods in the pits. Food is available in the Paddock and at Redgate Lodge for every meeting plus plenty of mobile units around the circuit. One word of warning - light sand blows across the circuit and covers every spectator so dress appropriately. Also wear a hat. WHEATCROFT STRAIGHT Start/Finish line on slight downhill to the double apex right at Redgate. Grandstand in paddock accessed with paddock pass which affords views down to Redgate and then from Schwantz Curve to Coppice. Infield viewing close-up through metal fence. REDGATE & HOLLYWOOD First lap excursions into the outfield gravel are often seen. The entry is slow and then accelerating for the second apex of Hollywood and down the hill. Viewing is good from the outfield banking with views along the start/finish straight and first section of Hollywood. Plus it's right next to Redgate Lodge for food and beer. CRANER CURVES Fast long right followed by tightening left made more difficult by their being both steep downhill. Many drivers and riders have had to go onto the large infield run-off through error or being nudged. Outfield and infield viewing from steep banks. The infield is high-up and overlooks most of the circuit. OLD HAIRPIN Deceptively tight right hander made more difficult as it's uphill straight after. Plenty go into the gravel or over the outfield grass and rejoin the track. The latter have to be cautious as Starkey's Bridge narrows the run-off and has been hit by many well known racers. Great viewing from in or outfield even though you're some distance from the track. SCHWANTZ CURVE Not very exciting unless your driving on track, as it's a long left uphill used as the positioning an braking area before McLeans. Out or infield viewing. Outfield is fairly close to track. McLEANS CORNER This is a well visited gravel trap with drivers and riders trying to accelerate before the apex or not realising how tight it is, and running wide. Thereafter it's max power up the incline and over the brow to a blind Coppice. Outfield viewing is close with plenty of action. Some drivers can get back on track over the gravel run-off. COPPICE CORNER Taken blind and at speed, positioning is critical to avoid leaving the track. Coppice is a very long right with big gravel trap. This is where speed build-up is essential for a good go at Starkeys Straight. Outfield viewing STARKEYS STRAIGHT Long straight at maximum speed. Positioning and braking points vary depending on which circuit is being used as the next corner is either left or right. Exhibition Centre restricts outfield viewing. Not very good for spectators. GODDARDS Starkeys straight comes to a slight incline with a sudden right, left down gradient chicane. You can brake very late and get the power on early on a dry surface, but the speed of direction change causes many to miscalculate. No infield viewing except Corporate boxes. Excellent from infield with braking crucial and overtaking probable. FOGARTYS Sharp left and right flick with vehicles cutting the right corner or over cooking the turn and travelling off towards the outfield crowds. Usually more than one vehicle goes off at a time when they've tried out braking off the straight. Best viewing point is the outfield corner and first part of Melbourne loop. Cars can under brake and many go straight over the gravel corners and manage to overtake. Brilliant for cameras. MELBOURNE LOOP Over brow downhill then hairpin and uphill at back of straight. Was included on circuit to lengthen it for F1 racing. Banked viewing along downhill section of outfield. Either position yourself for Goddards or Hairpin as action at both. MELBOURNE HAIRPIN Square right hander. Many overshoot into very large run-off. Acceleration can mean losing or winning from this corner. GODDARDS Tight 180 degree left down gradient. View from start/finish straight infield as braking and overtaking are common place. Excellent for cameras. ACCESS - There's always plenty of food and drink available at meetings. Toilets are permanent around the track. Paddock access is excellent with access to nearly all areas. |
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Please ensure you check with event websites and organisers before travelling.
