It was not long ago that the very future of Donington Park as a race circuit hung in the balance. Now, with the launch of its own Historic Festival – an event aiming to ‘rival the best’ that historic motorsport has to offer – Donington’s future looks brighter than ever.

The inaugural Donington Historic Festival will be held on the weekend of 30 April to 1-2 May 2011, with a deal signed that puts well-known race organiser Duncan Wiltshire (the man who heads up Motor Racing Legends, and is responsible for the historic support race at the Le Mans 24 Hours) firmly in charge of the on-track action.

Says Wiltshire, “The Donington Historic Festival aims to fill a very clear hole in the calendar, by placing the needs and wishes of owners, drivers and knowledgeable enthusiasts at its heart. This will be a truly prestigious annual event, inviting only the very best race series and the highest-calibre cars and drivers. We aim to delight serious historic motorsport fans, and the owners of the most original, most fascinating and most important cars, by focusing on the pure motor racing experience, over and above any add-on attractions.”

The ownership of Donington Park circuit has stayed within the Wheatcroft family, now that Kevin Wheatcroft has taken over from his father, Tom, who died last October. It was, of course, Tom Wheatcroft who bought the long-disused and derelict race circuit in 1971 and, after huge personal investment, reopened it for racing in 1977 – hence Kevin Wheatcroft is carrying on a family tradition by honouring Donington’s history.

“After a period of uncertainty, Donington Park’s future as a race circuit is now assured,” says Kevin Wheatcroft. “The circuit has a fabulous history that is an important part of British heritage, from the days of the pre-War Silver Arrows GP cars right through to modern times. The launch of the Donington Historic Festival is one example of how we intend the circuit not only to survive, but to thrive in the years to come.”

And that’s extremely good news for the world of historic motorsport – and for racing in general.

Text: Classic Driver