Pupils from St. Johns-on-the-Hill Preparatory School in Chepstow enjoyed a high octane visit to the Donington Park Grand Prix circuit last week, as a reward for completing their Common Entrance and Scholarship Examinations. The Donington Grand Prix Collection, the world's largest collection of Grand Prix racing cars, is located at the Leicestershire circuit, and welcomed the party of 43 Year 8 pupils, who were given a conducted tour of the Collection. The school visit coincided with the arrival of three of the most original and valuable competition cars from the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, which is on loan to the Donington Collection for a limited period. The Collection houses over 120 cars in its five halls, driven by many of motor sport's most famous names including Stirling Moss, Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna, Jim Clark, Alain Prost and James Hunt. Teacher in charge Mrs Ann Etchells said, "The visit to Donington Park proved to be the most exciting part of our pupil's end-of-term activities. They were fascinated by the incredible range of cars on show and the fantastic history of Donington Park and world motor sport which is on display in the Collection". Several pupils also enjoyed a high-speed experience in Mini Coopers on the circuit, which last weekend hosted the British Motorcycle Grand Prix. Simon Gillett, Donington's CEO, whose daughter Abigail attends St. Johns-on-the-Hill, added "Donington Park is the only active circuit in the UK with a history going back over 75 years. "We have some exciting plans for the future and need to involve young people with bright ideas and make them aware of the unique blend of history, excitement, and innovation at Donington. It was a pleasure having the pupils from St. Johns-on-the- Hill as our VIPs for the day". Picture credit: SP Photographics / Donington Grand Prix Collection
