Donington's Back

The following press release is doing the rounds, and sounds like good news

"19 August 2010

Following the return of racing to Donington Park the circuit is now set to move forward in the next stage of its development. Operation of the circuit will transfer to Donington Park Racing Ltd (DPR) from the Worcestershire based Adroit Group, the company responsible for successfully managing the reopening of the circuit following the failed bid to host the F1 British Grand Prix.

DPR Ltd, was set up in 1953 by founder Tom Wheatcroft, and since 1970 managed and promoted motor racing at the historic Leicestershire circuit.

“I am delighted the option has been taken up for Donington Park Racing to once again operate the circuit” said Kevin Wheatcroft, Chairman of DPR and owner of the Donington Park Estate. “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.”

Racing returned to Donington Park last weekend after the circuit passed crucial safety inspections and a full programme of events is now planned “It’s a momentous time for all forms of motor sport to see Donington return to the calendar , it has been sorely missed” said Robert Bryant, Chairman of the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club, the organisers of the first event at the newly opened circuit."

That ends the press release.

Startline comment: It's puzzling to an outsider why the ownership has been transferred. Whilst it's good for nostalgia that the Wheatcroft family are back in control, why did Adroit do all the work to bring the track back and then sell out? Was it an investment / venture capital exercise? Who can tell. There may be a clue in their accounts. Their business is described as "Civil engineering and public works contracting, the engineering & installation of process systems, the hire and sale of portable offices and estate management.". Last year they had £15m turnover, £425k profit and £7m of net assets, so not small but equally not a multinational. Its directors are father and son named Broome, so no obvious racing connection. So maybe the intention was that all along Adroit were just the builders.

TC

The start of the first post-rebuild race (BBC)