Donington Park Renovation

[dpbird90]

Seen the pictures of work being started, they say it'll be ready by April 2010. Is the track completely closed down now, or is it still going to be in use while they do the infield bit and then close it off when the existing track is going to be sorted out? Interested because I wouldn't mind having a bash at a track day (yes, in the Seicento!)

[onemorelap]

dpbird90 said:

Seen the pictures of work being started, they say it'll be ready by April 2010. Is the track completely closed down now, or is it still going to be in use while they do the infield bit and then close it off when the existing track is going to be sorted out? Interested because I wouldn't mind having a bash at a track day (yes, in the Seicento!)

Tracks closed for a few more weeks. Think the track is scheduled to re-open end of Feb beginnning of March.

They are putting an HGV tunnel under the track in between Macleans and Coppice ultimately for access to the paddock. However they are doing this now so all construction plant etc can get into the infield without disrupting the activities on track for the 09 season.
To complete the tunnel has meant locally excavating a big hole through the track which will be backfilled and the track reinstated once the tunnel is in place.

I think the only real disruption this year from a spectators viewpoint will be no access to the infield for the majority of the time.

I'm not looking forward to seeing what prices the trackdays will be for this year

[chevronb37]

There was no access to the infield for the HSCC meeting there in October, following the Motorcross Champs. It was very strange, but does force you to go and hunt out new viewing spots on the outside of the track. I'm actually quite looking forward to the renovation - the place was looking a bit tired by the end of last season; new pits excepted.

[anonymous-user]

wihtout starting anohter debate about the merits of all the changes just to hold a GP which may or may not be a one-off to be decided at the whim of a power crazed 77 year old.... i am gutted as i used to love standing on the inside of Coppice as the view through bottom of craner curves and the old hairpin was great, through macleans and then you were reasonably close at Coppice and as they went under the bridge...

I hope it might make it better for those who use the ciruict for racing and trackdays but everything i have heard about those who have driven round donington was that it had become a "must-do" and one of the best drivers circuits in the country.

[dpbird90]

pablo said:

wihtout starting anohter debate about the merits of all the changes just to hold a GP which may or may not be a one-off to be decided at the whim of a power crazed 77 year old.... i am gutted as i used to love standing on the inside of Coppice as the view through bottom of craner curves and the old hairpin was great, through macleans and then you were reasonably close at Coppice and as they went under the bridge...

I hope it might make it better for those who use the ciruict for racing and trackdays but everything i have heard about those who have driven round donington was that it had become a "must-do" and one of the best drivers circuits in the country.

Yep, it's a shame we're going to lose some of the best viewing spots on the circuit. Where they are building the new bit of infield in between coming off the Melbourne loop and going onto the current pit straight, they're going to wipe out one of the really great viewing spots on the inside of Craner where the Spitfire statue usually is. Had some amazing views there when I saw the BTCC in May last year.

[chevronb37]

I agree that it will suck to lose some familiar views, but this new infield section looks awesome! Like Gillett said, he’d be lynched if he changed anything from Redgate to Coppice. Quite honestly The Melbourne Hairpin and Goddards are not the most thrilling corners in the world (except when Cleland and Mansell clash there;-)) and a new fast plunging section towards the old hairpin sounds amazing. I imagine there will be infield access once the build is finished. I go to Donington frequently and am actually really excited about the prospects for the circuit, although I fear it will lose some of its charm.

I wonder if the Spitfire will ever return. I hadn't realised it was lynched by chump metallers at Download Festival a few years ago - hence the missing wing.

[anonymous-user]

to be fair it only looks awesome for those who are going to get to drive it. i dont think it offers much of an overtaking point (particularly for F1) and sepctators wont be able to get anywhere near it. it will however look great on TV..... whic is nice for Bernie...

[chevronb37]

I'm going to reserve judgement; don't wish to condemn it without seeing the evidence. I imagine it will probably still be a nicer place to pass the time than Silverstone.

[onemorelap]

chevronb37 said:

I agree that it will suck to lose some familiar views, but this new infield section looks awesome! Like Gillett said, he’d be lynched if he changed anything from Redgate to Coppice. Quite honestly The Melbourne Hairpin and Goddards are not the most thrilling corners in the world (except when Cleland and Mansell clash there;-)) and a new fast plunging section towards the old hairpin sounds amazing. I imagine there will be infield access once the build is finished. I go to Donington frequently and am actually really excited about the prospects for the circuit, although I fear it will lose some of its charm.

I wonder if the Spitfire will ever return. I hadn't realised it was lynched by chump metallers at Download Festival a few years ago - hence the missing wing.

Ironically i think the Melbourne Loop has the potential to be the most interesting corner on the circuit from an overtaking point of view. The cars will be able to run close through the tightened Coppice, the kink will not be an issue and they will be arriving at the loop flat chat having had a good tow. Think it could be an interesting viewing spot very soon for any form of racing never mind F1.

[chevronb37]

I agree, on the short circuit Goddards always attracts a few hairy moves so a longer straight should only increase the chances of overtaking. The new downhill section promises to be good fun. I am actually looking forward to it. Having been to the (slightly) better kept circuits like Spa, Silverstone and Goodwood, my missus commented (to my dismay) that "They should just knock Donington down and start again" when we were stood by the tired corporate boxes on the inside of Hollywood.

While I had to strongly disagree with her, citing the character and charm of the place, it is interesting to hear an opinion from someone who has no emotional attachment to the place. I have spent so many happy hours at Donington that I tend not to see its flaws. She, on the other hand, is quite new to attending events and sees everything completely differently. I tend to agree to an extent. Considering how much you have to pay to get into events now, and the extortionate cost of eating/drinking once inside, I think a refurbished DP will be a more appealing place to spend time. We will see next year, I suppose...

[entropy]

pablo said:

i am gutted as i used to love standing on the inside of Coppice as the view through bottom of craner curves and the old hairpin was great, through macleans and then you were reasonably close at Coppice and as they went under the bridge...

There's not much of a difference to standing on the outside of the Old Hairpin than being on the inside. Its as good as the TV angle except you don't see the cars sneaking through McLeans over the bridge. Even then some will swear its their fave viewing spot.

[onemorelap]

Just had a look at the plan again and the red line round the outside not listed on the key for the drawing is confusing me a bit.
It generally follows the line of the concrete wall that borders the perimeter but it kicks out through the middle of the exhibition centre to be demolished and then turns off at 90 degrees on the new pit straight to go to one side and then behind the museum and the museum car park.

Is this effectively the line of the new boundary wall meaning a new spectator area on the outside of Coppice / pit straight once more? Also will the museum then be within the confines of the circuit?

[anonymous-user]

entropy said:

pablo said:

i am gutted as i used to love standing on the inside of Coppice as the view through bottom of craner curves and the old hairpin was great, through macleans and then you were reasonably close at Coppice and as they went under the bridge...

There's not much of a difference to standing on the outside of the Old Hairpin than being on the inside. Its as good as the TV angle except you don't see the cars sneaking through McLeans over the bridge. Even then some will swear its their fave viewing spot.

i suppose, i quite like the 360 degree aspect though, you can follow the cars/bikes for a good while and its pretty much as close as you can get to the action...

[motormania]

Putting all the negative comments to one side

We should be applauding them that within hours of getting approval the HGVs moved in, lets hope that this is one building project that will be delivered on time and on budget, unlike the 2012 Olympics!!

Good luck to them.

As for those who moan, you'll have forgotten about it all once we get some stunning faces there...

[onemorelap]

motormania said:

Putting all the negative comments to one side

We should be applauding them that within hours of getting approval the HGVs moved in, lets hope that this is one building project that will be delivered on time and on budget, unlike the 2012 Olympics!!

Good luck to them.

As for those who moan, you'll have forgotten about it all once we get some stunning faces there...

What negative comments?

Are you talking about this thread or other threads that have been running?.
All i can see in this thread is some healthy banter about the best place to watch and what the track layout will be alongside a little bemoaning of the loss of existing viewing spots but general acceptance that there will be some new places to spectate from as well.

Not exactly the views of those who think that the development still won't happen.

Cheers.

[crossle]

chevronb37 said:

I wonder if the Spitfire will ever return. I hadn't realised it was lynched by chump metallers at Download Festival a few years ago - hence the missing wing.

The Spitfire had its full compliment of wings when I last saw it.

Don't mourn too deeply over it though - it was only a fibreglass copy after all...

[williamp]

And they have loads of time- other circuits were built in a lot less time then Donington has got.

Cant wait.

[chevronb37]

crossle said:

chevronb37 said:

I wonder if the Spitfire will ever return. I hadn't realised it was lynched by chump metallers at Download Festival a few years ago - hence the missing wing.

The Spitfire had its full compliment of wings when I last saw it.

Don't mourn too deeply over it though - it was only a fibreglass copy after all...

When was that? I went to the HSCC and F3 meetings in October 2008 and the Spitfire was gone altogether. For VSCC in June 2008, it had only a single wing.

As someone who has played in punk and metal bands for 10 years, it annoys me no end that some chumps think it is acceptable practice to tear down a structure like that. Although, I am gratified to know it is a replica.