The Silverstone Circuit in the U.K. just might be changing hands soon. Multiple outlets are reporting that the British Racing Drivers’ Club, the group that currently owns Silverstone, are planning to have a membership vote on whether or not the club moves forward with negotiations with Jaguar Land Rover. Rumors about a deal have been floating around since December that the track was taking bids for purchase, and it is hinted that JLR has offered up £22.7 million for the deal, while promising to invest upwards of $80 million for site renovations, a museum, an experience center, a hotel and office buildings. Right now, there is still plenty of back-and-forth to be done before JLR becomes owner, but we are looking at the bright side of things: this gives the Jaguar side of the house a home track to do developmental testing on as well as providing a perfect marketing opportunity during the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, which Silverstone currently has a deal on that was originally for seventeen years in 2009. There are plenty of other racing series that use Silverstone as well, so it isn’t like the track is failing in any real way, and JLR has no intention of shutting down any racing.
Corvette has NCM Motorsports complex, Jaguar might get Silverstone…we like this trend of manufacturers testing on tracks. Not only does it add credit to their testing programs, but it’s a sign of commitment. We sincerely hope this deal goes through.
Silverstone looks a lot better than their current test track and the test drivers won’t need to wear wet suits……
Porsche already have an experience centre at the track as well as a lot of other driving companies using the area. Good thing for me: I live near Silverstone and can hear the cars from my garden.