The MSA has paid tribute to Tom Wheatcroft, the owner of Donington Park race circuit, who passed away at the weekend.

The motorsport enthusiast was responsible for breathing new life into Donington in the early 1970s, when he used some of the fortune he had amassed through the construction industry to purchase the venue; which had closed during the Second World War.

Wheatcroft, who was 87 years-old, had been ill for some time.

"Tom Wheatcroft was one of the great characters of our sport," said Colin Hilton, Motor Sports Association chief executive

"His passion and enthusiasm created the modern Donington Park and established it as one of the most popular venues for both bike and car racing fans, while the stunning Donington Collection is one of the finest displays of racing machines to be found anywhere in the world.

"Tom will be sadly missed but not forgotten, and on behalf of British motor sport we send our condolences to his family."

All at Crash.net join the entire motorsport community in extending our deepest sympathies to the Wheatcroft family.