For immediate release
9 March 2009

Donington Park supports rising star
Donington Park circuit owner Simon Gillett has reaffirmed the venue’s commitment to motocross in the form of a sponsorship agreement with young rider Tom Johnson. The parkland circuit’s Chief Executive has been unable to stage any off-road events at the Leicestershire venue this year due to the lack of an available track area as a result of the ongoing redevelopment programme, which affects the existing infield area.
However, Gillett, who himself competed in motocross from a young age and competed against the likes of World Champion Jamie Dobb, remains passionate about the sport and is keen to maintain an interest in off-road. He has provided personal support to Tom since his motocross race career began at the tender age of six at Talsarn in West Wales and this year has pledged the circuit’s support to the Monster MX rider.
The now 15-year-old rider will sport black and orange Donington Park decals on his 125 KTM machine, which will be prepared and tuned by Royston Edwards Performance Services (REPS). Enthusiasts will see him in action in the British Silkolene two-stroke championships and other selected national and club championships this season.
“It’s fantastic to be able to offer a greater level of assistance to Tom through Donington Park this year, said Simon. “I was put on a motocross bike at five years old and told to get on with it and I’ve been passionate about the sport ever since. It has been great to be able to personally support Tom for several years, but he is reaching a stage in his career where everything needs to step up a gear, including the commitment from his sponsors.
“The agreement is also an excellent way to reinforce Donington Park’s continued enthusiasm for motocross. I was more gutted than anyone at not being able to stage any off-road events this year, but I am committed to ensuring that we retain our focus on motocross and I’m confident that we’ll once again be staging exciting off-road events in the future.”
Tom’s father, Jez Johnson, commented: “Tom has been lucky enough to have retained long-term support throughout his career from Simon, REPS and kit provider O’Neal and we’re very grateful for that. Simon’s assistance came purely from the fact that he is such a fan of the sport, but we’re delighted that he has now formalised an agreement with Donington Park. It’s an honour to be associated with such a fantastic circuit.”
For further information and/or copyright-free images, please contact Linzi Corrigan on 01652 682881. Email doningtonparkpr@rbplimited.co.uk