More upgrades to take place at Donington Park
DONINGTON Park is to undergo another significant programme of upgrades before the new race season commences.
Spectators, competitors and marshals are all set to benefit from further investment from MotorSport Vision (MSV) at the Castle Donington venue.
On the track itself, concrete run-off sections beyond the kerbing at Redgate and the Old Hairpin have been extended over the winter, ensuring these areas will look neater throughout the year.
Several new tyre barrier stretches been installed around the circuit, while drainage has been improved at the Craner Curves and Old Hairpin.
Another new development is the installation of LED safety lighting at key locations around the track, which will display the various warning lights and signals for competitors and participants on track.
A number of marshal posts are due to be upgraded during the summer too, continuing the process that began prior to the 2018 season.
The circuit’s fleet of vehicles has been expanded to maximise the operational efficiency of track days and test events. These new additions include a fast response recovery truck and a full lift recovery flatbed.
The owners have added to their fleet of mowers across the 650-acre site, purchased a new John Deere tractor and increased the site service and maintenance vehicle fleet.
Several other detail upgrades will ensure the venue looks more pristine than ever, including new wooden fencing in spectator areas on the infield, particularly along the Wheatcroft Straight.
A second campsite has also been created, to supplement the popular infield site that already operates at Bennetts BSB, BTCC and WorldSBK events and regularly sells out at those two-wheel events. This unreserved outfield campsite will be located outside the track, near to the Heritage Loop, and will be aimed at for families or those looking for a quieter camping experience.
It will be in operation at World Superbikes, both BSB meetings and the popular Convoy in the Park Truck Festival.
Additional behind the scenes improvements at Donington include barrier repairs, improved CCTV and IT networks, a refurbishment of the Circuit Medical Centre and the installation of energy efficient LED lighting around the site.
Donington Park venue manager Chris York said: “We’ve been very busy at work again over the winter, as we prepare for the new season.
“While our changes may not be as visually dramatic as the past two years, this latest programme of investment focuses on improving the efficiency of our midweek track and test days, which will result in more track time and improved general venue operations for all users.
“We have also grown our fleet of site vehicles and equipment, giving our outstanding team further resources to work with.
“We’re also continuing our general tidying up of the venue as well as making important infrastructure upgrades with CCTV, circuit safety lighting and IT networks.”
The changes will be implemented in time for Donington’s first event of the year, the LDV Vans Donington Rally on Sunday, March 15. The first major meeting is the opening round of the British Touring Car Championship on March 28-29.