A tragic accident at Donington Park race circuit in Leicestershire claimed the life of a driver during a race at the Vintage Motorsport Festival on Saturday, 24 May.
Julian Grimwade, a man in his 70s, was involved in a single-vehicle collision while competing in the event, Motorsport UK confirmed. The national motorsport governing body expressed its condolences in a statement, saying it joined “the entire UK motorsport community in mourning” the loss of Grimwade.
The Vintage Sports Car Club, which organised the event, also received heartfelt sympathies from fellow competitors and fans. Leicestershire Police confirmed the incident and said no criminal investigation would be opened.
A spokesperson explained: “Police were notified of a single vehicle collision at a licensed track day at Donington Park yesterday (24 May). The driver of the vehicle – a man in his 70s – was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.”
The police added that enquiries are ongoing on behalf of HM Coroner, who is responsible for officially identifying the deceased. The cause of the accident has not yet been released.
Motorsport UK underlined that it would carry out a thorough investigation into the fatal crash, working closely with external authorities.
“It is with great sadness that Motorsport UK confirms the passing of Julian Grimwade, who was competing at the Vintage Sports Car Club’s race event at Donington Park today,” the statement said.
“Motorsport UK joins the entire UK motorsport community in mourning and sends its sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Julian, as well as the Vintage Sports Car Club.”
Donington Park, a well-known circuit located near Castle Donington, is a historic venue for various motorsport events. Sharing its sympathy on social media, the circuit wrote: “Our thoughts go to the family and friends of the driver, as well as those in the VSCC community.”
The tragedy at Donington Park came amid a sombre day for the motorsport world, with two other fatal incidents reported internationally.
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsport, issued a statement on social media platform X, mourning the losses at three separate events.
“The FIA is saddened to learn of the tragic incidents today at the Jim Clark Rally in Scotland, Vintage Motorsport Festival at Donington Park, and Nykøbing Falster Motor Sport’s Anniversary Rally in Denmark,” the FIA said.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of those who have sadly lost their lives.”
The FIA also sent its best wishes to those injured in the accidents and emphasised the unity of the global motorsport community in the face of such tragedies.
“The tragic incidents today have united our global motorsport community as we reaffirm the FIA’s full support to our members, officials and competitors,” the statement added.
The Vintage Motorsport Festival at Donington Park is an annual event that celebrates classic and historic racing cars, attracting enthusiasts and racers from across the UK and beyond. Multiple races and events had been scheduled during the festival weekend, highlighting the circuit’s vibrant motorsport calendar.
This fatal crash has cast a shadow over the event and serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in motorsport, despite advances in safety technology.
The motorsport community continues to honour Julian Grimwade’s memory and is expected to await the findings of Motorsport UK’s investigation, which will seek to understand the circumstances surrounding the accident to prevent future tragedies.
The thoughts of all involved remain with Grimwade’s family, friends, and fellow competitors during this difficult time.
