Donington - 18th April 2009

Race duration - 3 hours

– whole meeting abandoned -

The SPEED Team has been working around the clock since the Donington track license position became known two weeks ago and only in the last 48 hours has the MSA advised that no physical action has been completed at the Donington facility that would enable a track license to be issued to cover projected future meetings. MSVR – who have also worked diligently on this problem – has been forced to suspend the meeting of April 18/19 and we understand that the GT and F3 meeting planned for 25/26 April and the Britcar meeting of May 2/3 will be cancelled.

The MSVR statement is as follows:

MSVR - Donington Park, April 18/19

You will be aware that Donington Park does not presently hold an MSA track licence.

We believe that to obtain a full MSA track licence Donington will need to carry out various works concerning, in particular, the circuit between Macleans and Coppice. Racing through this area of the circuit was restricted by the event permit for the MGCC and HSCC meetings last weekend, however we understand from various discussions with the MSA that no further similar arrangements can be made.

Our primary aim has of course been to run the meeting on 18/19 April as planned. To this end, in addition to a continuous dialogue with the MSA, we sought specific confirmation from Donington that a full unrestricted MSA track licence will be held in time for the meeting on 18/19 April. We received no such confirmation, or indeed any information, from Donington about this issue.

We cannot state with absolute certainty that a full track licence will not be held by Donington in time for the forthcoming event, but in the absence of any assurance being provided by the circuit, we regrettably conclude that we have no option but to cancel the meeting at this time. We hope that by taking this unfortunate decision we can at least provide certainty to everyone involved, so that necessary arrangements can be made.

We, like you, are very disappointed to find ourselves in this position, but hope that you will understand that this unprecedented situation is entirely beyond our control.

We are now fully focused on working with all affected series to arrange suitable alternative events.

Regards
David Willey
Club Secretary
MotorSport Vision Racing

The commitment that has been made by SPEED Series competitors from across Europe, the SPEED event management team and the other categories entered for Donington should not have been treated in this way by a professional racing facility and the result is disgraceful.

SPEED is working to identify replacement options but nothing can be secured for the 18th April. We must therefore advise you to cancel travel and accommodation bookings immediately to secure refunds. You are reminded about confirmed and potential bookings for the circuit test day on 16th and you should examine your own positions.

***** DONINGTON ENTRY LIST *****

Closing date for entries - Friday 3rd April 17:00

Testing available - Thursday 16th April
Contact for testing - 0044 (0)1332 819 503

Saturday 18th April
Signing on:              09:00
Scrutineering:         09:15
Drivers briefing:      09:30
Qualifying:               10:00 - 10:30
Race start:              15:35
Race duration:        3 hours
Max grid:                  32 cars
Garages:                 Yes

Hotels
Holiday Inn Express - 0044 (0)1509 678 000
(Twin or Double available at £60 per night incl. continental breakfast)
Thistle - 0044 (0)8713 769 015
(Deluxe double room available at £105 per night incl. parking & breakfast)
Premier Inn East Midlands Airport - 0044 (0)8708 506 312
(Twin or Double available at £62 per night excl. breakfast)
Priest House - 0044 (0)1332 870 649

Dates and timings are provisional and may be subject to change at the organiser's discretion.

For more information, please contact us.