Donington Park Circuit: Track Guide, History and Events

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

Elevate Your Paddock Space at Donington with Gala Performance

Motorsport Tents

Modular Flooring

Pit Walling