Donington Park Circuit: Track Guide, History and Events
Donington Park is a motor racing circuit at Castle Donington in Leicestershire, near Derby and just off the M1. As the oldest UK motorsport circuit still in operation, it combines high-speed straights, tight corners and dramatic elevation changes with a history running back to 1931. Racing here, or planning a paddock setup? Request a callback and we will point you to the right kit.
Where Is Donington Park?
Donington Park is located at Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2RP, in North West Leicestershire. It sits between Derby, Nottingham and Loughborough, right next to East Midlands Airport and a couple of minutes from Junction 23A/24 of the M1, which makes it one of the easiest UK circuits to reach for teams travelling with a trailer. People searching for Donington race track, Donnington Park or the Donington Park circuit are all looking for this same venue.
History of Donington Park
Donington Park's journey began in 1931 when Fred Craner, a local businessman and motorsport enthusiast, established a race track on the Donington Hall estate. Key historical milestones include:
1933: First race held, attracting large crowds and establishing its place in British motorsport
World War II: Circuit requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence, halting racing activities
1971: Revival under Tom Wheatcroft, leading to restoration and modernization
Present Day: Host to numerous national and international racing events
Donington Park embodies the spirit, passion, and adrenaline that define the world of motorsport.
British Touring Cars at Donington Park
BTCC at Donington Park
The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) is a highlight event at Donington Park, known for:
Close, door-to-door racing action
Diverse field of competing vehicles
Thrilling spectator experiences with roaring engines and high-speed battles
Attending a BTCC race at Donington Park offers an unforgettable experience for motorsport fans.
The Donington Park Circuit Layout
Circuit Information:
The Donington Park circuit features two main layouts:
National Circuit: 3.149 km with 10 turns
Grand Prix Circuit: 2.498 km with 12 turns
Additional circuit details:
Capacity: 120,000 spectators
Lap Record (GP Circuit, 4 Wheels): 1:16.92 by Harrison Newey in a 2004 McLaren MP4/19
Lap Record (GP Circuit, 2 Wheels): 1:26.04 by Jonathan Rea in 2023 on a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR
The circuit's design offers a unique and challenging experience for drivers and teams alike.
C1 Endurance Racing at Donington Park
Donington Park also hosts the Citroen C1 Endurance Series, characterised by affordable and accessible endurance racing.
Emphasis on driver skill and strategy over vehicle performance
Tight, competitive racing due to evenly matched cars
This series exemplifies Donington Park's commitment to diverse and inclusive motorsport events.
Major Events at Donington Park
Beyond BTCC and C1 Endurance Racing, Donington Park hosts a variety of major events, including:
Superbike World Championship
British GT Championship
Download Festival: A renowned rock and heavy metal music festival
These events highlight the venue's versatility and its appeal to a broad audience.
Elevate Your Paddock Space at Donington with Gala Performance
Motorsport Tents: Durable and customizable shelters for teams
Modular Flooring: Easy-to-install flooring solutions for a professional appearance
Pit Walling: High-quality walling systems for efficient pit operation
Motorsport Tents
Modular Flooring
Pit Walling
