East Midlands · Leicestershire
DONINGTON PARK
Motorcycle Track Day Guide 2026
At a Glance
| Location | Leicestershire, DE74 2RP |
| Circuit length | 2.50 mi (National Circuit) · 1.96 mi (Gardner Circuit) |
| Noise limit | 105 dB(A) |
| Skill level | Beginner – Advanced |
| Licence required | Full motorcycle licence |
| Facilities | Café, Restaurant, Pit garages, Medical centre, Toilets & showers, On-site fuel, Spectator areas |
| Nearest motorway | M1 J23A or J24 — approximately 5 minutes |
| Paddock type | Tarmac paddock, pit lane garages |
Track Overview
Donington Park sits in the heart of the East Midlands and holds a special place in motorcycle racing history. This was the home of the British MotoGP from 1987 to 2009 — the grid that lined up at Redgate Corner included legends like Doohan, Rainey, Fogarty and Rossi. Racing at Donington carries that heritage with it.
The circuit is wide, well-surfaced, and unusually accessible for a venue of its calibre. The National layout (2.5 miles) flows naturally from one corner to the next, offering a mix of challenge across all ability levels. Wide run-off areas in most sections make it a good venue for riders building confidence, while the Fogarty Esses and the high-speed Coppice corner provide the kind of challenge that keeps experienced riders engaged.
Donington underwent a major resurfacing programme and the track surface is consistently good. The pit facilities are among the best in the UK — proper pit garages, catering, and paddock infrastructure that rivals any circuit on the calendar.
Central to the UK motorway network (M1 J23A or J24), Donington draws riders from the Midlands, North and South with equal ease. It is one of the most frequently booked venues for track days from both MSV Trackdays and No Limits Track Days — if you are looking for a circuit with regular availability, Donington rarely disappoints.
Circuit Layout & Key Corners
Redgate
The first corner, a downhill right-hander taken in third gear on most bikes. The approach is deceptive — the track drops away and the apex is harder to judge than it looks from the outside. Brake in a straight line, turn in later than feels natural, and let the track carry you through. It is easy to run wide here if you apex too early.
Hollywood
A quick right-hand kink over a blind rise on the exit of Redgate. Not technically a braking corner, but requires confidence — the circuit rises and it is not immediately clear where the track goes. Once you have done a few laps you will carry it flat, or very nearly. Watch for surface changes near the exit.
Old Hairpin
The tightest corner on the circuit — a slow, 180-degree hairpin that rewards patience and technical riding more than outright speed. Trail-brake to the apex, get the bike turned, and feed in the throttle smoothly. The camber helps on the way in, but the exit is off-camber, so be measured with the throttle.
Coppice
The fastest corner on the circuit — a sweeping, medium-speed right-hander taken in fourth or fifth gear. Coppice demands commitment and trust in your tyres. It has a smooth, consistent surface and rewards a flowing, mid-track line. Many riders back off here on their early laps; building confidence through Coppice is one of the most satisfying progressions on the circuit.
Fogarty Esses
Named after Carl Fogarty, this sequence of flowing S-bends in the back section requires balance, body movement, and rhythm. Do not try to brake late for the first part — carry speed through and let the sequence flow. Riders who find the rhythm here gain seconds per lap.
Melbourne Hairpin
The final corner before the back straight and the main overtaking point on the circuit. Hard braking from high speed into a tight left-hand hairpin. The entry is wide — use the full width for braking, turn in late to a tight apex, and drive hard onto the back straight.
Who Is This Track Good For?
Novice
Donington Park is an excellent first track day circuit. Wide run-off areas, a logical layout, and good visibility make it forgiving. The Gardner short circuit option (1.96 miles) is used for some novice groups and removes some of the faster back sections.
Intermediate
Focus on carrying speed through Coppice and the Fogarty Esses — these are the sections where flowing riding beats braking. Redgate and Melbourne are your key reference points for lap time.
Advanced
At pace, Donington demands a high level of commitment through Coppice and precise trail-braking into the Old Hairpin and Melbourne. The wide track gives you space to experiment with lines, and lap records here are genuinely fast.
Practical Information
Getting There
Donington Park is located off the A453, close to Castle Donington village in Leicestershire. From the M1, take J23A for the A42 towards Ashby-de-la-Zouch, then follow signs for Donington Park. Postcode: DE74 2RP.
Parking & Paddock
Large tarmac paddock with ample space for vans and trailers. The pit lane garages are allocated by the organiser — arrive early if you want a garage. There is a large spectator car park separate from the paddock.
Fuel
On-site fuel available. Nearest petrol station is in Castle Donington village (approx. 2 miles).
Catering
On-site circuit catering is available. The Jolly Sailor pub in Castle Donington is 5 minutes away. Kegworth village (also close) has several food options.
Accommodation
Premier Inn East Midlands Airport (3 miles), Radisson Blu Hotel East Midlands Airport (4 miles), Hilton Garden Inn East Midlands Airport (3 miles). Castle Donington itself has B&B options.
What to Bring
- Motorcycle and full riding gear
- Tyre warmers (optional but useful)
- Paddock stand and basic tools
- Tyre pressure gauge
- Food and drinks for the day
- Sunscreen — the Donington paddock can be exposed
Noise Limits at Donington Park
Donington Park's standard static noise limit is 105 dB(A). Noise testing is carried out at the noise check station in the paddock at the start of the day. Drive-by noise monitoring is also in operation during sessions.
Bikes failing the noise check will not be allowed on track until the issue is resolved. Common solutions include fitting a baffle to the exhaust or swapping to a quieter end can. If your bike runs a full race exhaust, check it at home with a decibel meter before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Donington Park a good circuit for a first track day?
Yes — Donington Park is widely considered one of the best UK circuits for new track day riders. It is wide, well-surfaced, and has generous run-off areas. The national layout flows logically and offers a good mix of corners for building skills.
What was the British MotoGP at Donington Park?
The British MotoGP was held at Donington Park from 1987 to 2009. The event attracted the world's best riders including Valentino Rossi, Mick Doohan, and Wayne Rainey. Plans to bring it back have been discussed but a permanent replacement venue has not been confirmed.
What is the noise limit at Donington Park?
The standard noise limit at Donington Park is 105 dB(A) static.
How long is Donington Park circuit?
The National circuit is 2.50 miles (4.02 km). The shorter Gardner circuit is 1.96 miles and is used for some events and novice groups.
What tyres should I use at Donington Park?
Road-legal sport tyres in the 120/190 or 120/180 range are standard for track days here. Pirelli Supercorsa, Michelin Power GP2, and Bridgestone RS11 are all popular. Track-day slicks are permitted in some groups but require tyre warmers and dry conditions.
What is the fastest corner at Donington Park?
Coppice is the fastest corner on the circuit — a sweeping right-hander taken in fourth or fifth gear where top speeds approach 130–140 mph on fast superbikes.