A DERBY firm has helped Donington Park celebrate a new sponsorship deal that will help the circuit to run like clockwork.
Clockmaker Smith of Derby, based in Alfreton Road, was called upon to create a 2.5 metre-diameter clock to mark the signing of a deal which sees luxury British watch-maker Bremont become the circuit's official timing partner.
The Bremont-designed double-faced clock, which overhangs the pit lane, was unveiled this week.
Bremont based the design on its Solo range of watches and enlisted Smith of Derby, which has a long history of making iconic clocks around the world, to build and install it.
The deal between Bremont and Donington Park will run for eight years and is another major boost to the Castle Donington circuit, which has re-established itself over the past four years as one of the UK's premier motor racing circuits.
Today, the circuit is the home of the Formula E race series and next year the British Motorcycle Grand Prix – Moto GP – will return.
Christopher Tate, managing director of Donington Park Racing, said: "The entire team at Donington Park is delighted to have Bremont as our new watch partner and we thank them for their provision of this wonderful new pit lane clock."
Giles English, co-founder of Bremont, said: "This is a very exciting, long term partnership for Bremont and one that further builds on our ties within the automotive world having collaborated with the likes of Jaguar and Norton.
"Donington Park is an iconic British venue with international acclaim, which has a huge history.
"Bremont is now incredibly proud to be a part of this new chapter at Donington and we were delighted to be working with Smith of Derby on the project."
Martin Butchers, technical sales engineer, Smith of Derby, said: "The design of the clock incorporates aircraft-style fixers around the drum and bezels to reflect Bremont's aviation DNA and the support bracket of the clock was designed to emulate the wishbone suspension of formula racing cars, to reflect its location.
"We are delighted that it will be seen and enjoyed by race goers around the world."
In 2009, Donington Park closed after its bid to host the Formula One Grand Prix failed and the company running the circuit went under.
Since Donington Park Racing began running the circuit in 2010, its fortunes have turned around.
