Donington Park upgrade gets go ahead
His love affair with motor racing began aged just four-and-a-half.
And last night the 37-year-old was given planning permission to turn his circuit into a world class Formula One venue.
"I always dreamed I would host the British Grand Prix," he told the Evening Post. "I am absolutely over the moon. It is coup. It is a culmination of six years' hard work.
"Planning is obviously the biggest hurdle. We're starting work as soon as possible."
The track improvements are phase one of a £100m scheme to make Donington Park a "world-class venue for Formula One", as described by FIA President Max Mosley.
Not only will the circuit retain its iconic Craner Curves, it will now feature the steepest climb on the F1 calendar and a mouthwatering 200mph straight.
A new inner section will take drivers up an 11% climb – steeper than the famous Eau Rouge at Spa, Belgium, at ten per cent.
"This will be an exciting circuit. What we have is a very technical track," said Mr Gillett. "Certain tracks are flat. We have lefts, rights, ups and downs.
"It will challenge drivers. It is going to be hard on brakes an tyres. It has been designed with a number of overtaking points. "
It is hoped the improvements will be finished by the end of this year. The track will be widened while straights and bends – Coppice Corner, Starkey's Hill, Melbourne Corner and Wheatcroft Straight – will be realigned.
There will also be new pits and paddock and six grandstands for 67,890 punters while a clubhouse will feature bars, restaurants, a spa, gym, swimming pool, cinema and ballrooms.
Donington, set to host the Grand Prix next year, will be the first 'no-car' F1 event with most visitors parking off-site and arriving by bus from Nottingham, Leicester and Derby.
At an extraordinary meeting of North West Leicestershire District Council's planning committee last night, two applications were unanimously passed to develop the park.
Coun Geraint Jones said a chance to host the Grand Prix was like winning the Olympics for the East Midlands.
He said: "We are presented with a fantastic opportunity. "
Among concerns raised were transport problems on surrounding roads. But councillors said conditions would enable them to issue an injunction if transport concerns were not adhered to and would ensure transport management plans were in place for major events.
Chairman of the committee, Coun David Stevenson said: "This will be bringing huge economic benefits to the East Midlands."
Mr Gillett added: "I'm elated, relieved. It's shovels at dawn."
chris.birkle@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
Simon Gillett
Comment on this story