Memories of Donington Park
On the Weekend of 18 and 19 April 2026, Donington Park will once again play host to the opening round of the BTCC. For fans, there are few better places to kick off a new campaign. Fast, flowing, and unforgiving, Donington has a habit of setting the tone for what’s to come. And for EXCELR8 Motorsport, it’s a circuit that has already played a key role in the team’s rise up the grid.
Before the engines roar into life, we take you through the history of a venue that has delivered many unpredictable and unforgettable moments over the decades.
A quick history of Donington Park
Donington first opened its doors in 1931 when motorcycles raced around it for the first time. It is not until 1933 that the first car race took place there. It is one of the oldest tracks in Britain, even pre-dating the mythical Silverstone track.
Donington has always been a characterful venue. The circuit flows naturally with the landscape, combining high-speed commitment corners with heavy braking zones. The nature of the track is no better illustrated than by the Craber Curves which remain one of the most iconic sequences in British motorsport. That’s why to win there, drivers must show bravery and precision.
But even though the venue has become a state-of-the-art modern racing facility it retains its old-school charm. That is why it features on the calendar of many top-level motorsport series, including GT racing and superbikes.
Donington Park and the BTCC
There aren’t many circuits that are as intricately linked to the BTCC than Donington Park. The venue first appeared on the calendar in 1977 and has become a staple of the series ever since. That’s why in recent years it has been the season opener; and it is no different in 2026.
Its early-season slot often make it an intriguing place to be. Teams come with new cars, fresh driver line-ups and unsewered questions, so, a good result can shape momentum for the months ahead. However, Donington isn’t just about beginnings. There is often a second visit later in the year when teams battle on the grand prix circuit, so it can also play a vital role in the championship battle.
From dominant drives to unpredictable mixed-weather races, the track has consistently delivered moments that define seasons.
Team VERTU at Donington Park
For Team VERTU run by EXCELR8 Motorsport, Donington Park is somewhat of a proving ground. The team has built a strong record at the circuit, underlined by consistent front-running performances and standout results.
In 2026, the team will field a line-up featuring reigning champion Tom Ingram alongside the returning Tom Chilton. Both of whom will be joined by Ricky Collard and Nicolas Hamilton to add further depth and experience to the squad.
Looking back to last season’s opening race, EXCELR8 once again showed Donington was a strong for the team. Across the opening weekend, Tom Ingram delivered exceptional consistency with three consecutive podium finishes, applying pressure at the front in every race. Meanwhile, Tom Chilton capped off the event in style, converting a front-row opportunity into a commanding Race 3 victory, complete with the fastest lap.
With proven performance, experience and confidence at the circuit, EXCELR8 heads into the 2026 opener as a genuine contender. And if history is anything to go by, a strong start at Donington could be the platform for another title challenge.