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Historic Festival at Donington in 2011

The historic Donington Park racing circuit was built in 1931, during the glory days of the inter-war period, when the German-built Silver Arrows dominated the European racing world. Unfortunately, after the war, it fell into disrepair until Tom Wheatcroft, a local construction entrepreneur, bought and restored it for the 1971 F1 season. Subsequently, it became the favored home of the British leg of the premier motorcycle racing series.

Now, however, a Historic Festival aims to bring back some of that luster and glory the circuit once possessed. The new festival, which aims to exceed all others in the UK and abroad, is set to take place between the 30th of April and May 1-2, 2011.

After a period of uncertainty, Donington Park’s future as a race circuit is now assured. 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,” said Kevin Kevin Wheatcroft, the current owner of the track.

Donington Park has a current length of 4.020 km (2.498 miles) and a total of 12 corners, offering an interesting experience for drivers.

A key attraction for the festival should be the Donington Grand Prix Exhibition, first opened to the public in March 1973. It is the largest collection of Grand Prix cars that includes Stirling Moss’s 1961 Lotus 18, which won the Monaco Grand Prix that year.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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