24/12/2009
NEWS STORY
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Mat Coch writes:
According to reports, Donington has officially closed its doors. The news will come as no surprise to regular readers, who have been kept abreast of the circuit's trials and tribulations over recent months.
While no official confirmation has been received, Donington Park employee Richard Langley has confirmed that he and his colleagues have been made redundant. "As of today Donny is officially closed," admitted another insider. "It's a travesty!"
The news follows the failure of administrators for the circuit, Begbies Traynor, to find a buyer for the lease, despite interest from a number of parties. Consequently, the lease now reverts to the Wheatcroft family who have yet to decide on the future of the facility.
When investors Lee Gill and Simon Gillett became involved through their Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd the future of the circuit seemed promising. Investment in the circuit was a key factor in the 150 year lease agreed with the late Tom Wheatcroft, DVLL holding the lofty ambition of returning Formula One racing to the circuit for the first time since 1993.
DVLL Chief Operating Officer Gill resigned midway through 2008, just weeks after it was announced that a deal had been secured with Bernie Ecclestone to bring the British Grand Prix to Donington in 2010. More trouble soon followed as the local council was less than interested in providing the required planning permission for the new developments. By April 2009 DVLL had fallen behind with its financial responsibilities and the publication of a new circuit layout did little to convince the sceptics. Just six months later the project totally collapsed as Gillett failed to raise the required capital.
This latest news comes as a sting in the tail to the midlands circuit. With a long and glorious history stretching back to the days of Dick Seaman and Tazio Nuvolari it looks as though it will not be a very happy Christmas for Donington, or a happy new year.