RACING cars will once again roar around Donington Park when the circuit marks its official reopening with a weekend of classic action.

The Derby track is to host the Masters Historic Racing Festival tomorrow and Sunday.

It will be the first time four-wheelers have been seen at the venue since parts of the track were ripped up in the abortive attempt to stage the British GP and there will be echoes of the late Tom Wheatcroft's resurrection of the circuit in 1977.

Among the star cars in action will be GP cars of the 1970s, from Tyrrell, Lotus and Surtees.

Minis, Cortinas and Mustangs will also be in action in the race for saloon cars of the 1950s and 1960s.

There will also be a celebration race for GT and Touring cars from 1977 with those who competed 33 years ago invited as guests.

All spectators have paddock access, where they will be able to see a wide range of Le Mans racers, prototypes and GT cars, as well as a number of classic GP cars from Donington's own world-renowned collection.

Other attractions include a track show by Norton Motorcycles, whose latest road bike is now manufactured on the Donington site.

Donington staged the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club meeting last month but this is the first time cars will be racing on the reopened track. The Masters is also the first event to be held with the track now back under the control of Donington Park Racing.

Kevin Wheatcroft, chairman of DPR, said: "I can think of no more suitable event to coincide with our re-opening celebrations than the Masters Weekend and the 1977 Celebration parade will be especially fitting, given the history of the track.

"However, what I am most looking forward to is welcoming motor racing fans to the circuit again. Seeing the circuit busy again will prove that Donington Park is well and truly back."

The Masters meeting marks the start of a busy autumn at Donington. The next event sees top flight racing return to the circuit in the form of the penultimate race in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship on September 18-19.