Masters Historic Racing Limited has announced that, although its Masters Classic Festival race meeting set for Donington on June 26-27th has had to be postponed, it is delighted to announce that the reason for this delay is to permit the track refurbishment works, which are even now getting underway at the famed Leicestershire circuit, to be completed, (subject to issuance of the MSA track licence) and that a new race date has been set, September 3/4/5, for the Grand Re-Opening of Donington, Masters Historic Festival.
The postponement of the Masters June date is perhaps not unexpected, but in view of some of the incorrect stories and concerns expressed over recent months, the announcement of this 'Circuit Renewal' date in early September is excellent news not just for Masters and its racing members, but for the wider historic racing community, and also for all of motor sport in the UK, two wheeled as well as four, and especially so for the many devotees of the great layout and atmosphere of the Donington National track.
Donington's owners have agreed to be working closely with Masters on the precise timetable and content of this September Re-Opening event, expanding the proposed original June schedule out into a three day meeting, so that all the Masters grids of June, from GPM to saloons can be run, as well as invited grids. One special feature will be an 'Into the Dusk' endurance race on the Saturday evening. The packed race programme will be supported by many demonstration runs of significant race cars and bikes from the Wheatcroft Collection, with many displays and attractions for as wide an audience as possible, to celebrate the circuit's renewal. Masters drivers and entrants who were committed to racing at the original June date will have first option on competing in the new event, as the original date had already attracted many star cars and drivers, which can now all be on view in early September.
The famous Donington circuit, by then rebuilt, a classic race meeting in late summer, great cars both on track and on display, close and exciting racing, the open paddock access for spectators so typical of Masters meetings, the fan involvement and the presence of many famous cars on this refreshed and renewed circuit, should all provide historic enthusiasts, the wider motor sport community and the large local support base - who have been so hard hit without an operational Donington - with many great reasons to come along to support and celebrate this 'Donington Renewal 2010'.
Ron Maydon founder of Masters Historic Racing said:- "We are all very proud to be the first organisation invited to hold not just 'a race meeting', but to help organize and promote the actual grand celebration which sees racing return to the much loved circuit - thanks to all at Donington and roll on September!"
Kevin Wheatcroft, circuit owner, said: "The plans to re-open the new improved Donington Park are progressing well. We are confident that the new race track can be re-opened for testing, subject to obtaining the necessary licences, during August 2010; and we will be hosting the Masters Historic Festival on the first weekend of September"
