Motor racing lost a vibrant and influential figure with the October 31 passing of Tom Wheatcroft. The man who brought Donington Park back to life as a racing circuit died in his sleep at the age of 87, after a long illness. True to his lifelong form, he had bounced back from his illness and remained very active in his last years.
Wheatcroft had seen racing at the circuit in the 1930s, and fell in love with Donington. After being successful in the building and property business, he acquired the park in 1971, rebuilt the circuit, and established a racing car museum from his own collection. In 1993, the European Grand Prix was even held at the circuit.
Tom Wheatcroft supported and entered cars for several drivers, notably Derek Bell and the late Roger Williamson, who was much like another son to Tom. Cars from the Donington Collection continued to appear regularly at historic events, with Rick and Rob Hall doing much of the preparation and driving. Donington has also been involved in the continuing British attempts to retain a British Grand Prix.
In spite of his wealth and influence, Tom Wheatcroft remained a motor racing enthusiast. Even though he was ill, he would appear at historic events and motor shows, and always had some stories to share with friends. He was a friend of Vintage Racecar. We had the privilege of being invited to some of his “play days” at Donington, when he would bring cars from the collection out to be driven, and very generously let some of us share his enthusiasm for driving there.
by Ed McDonough
