Sports Listings: British Motorcycling Grand Prix

FOLLOWING complaints from spectators, this year's British Motorcycling Grand Prix at Donington Park over the weekend of 22-24 July is offering reduced admission prices and an increased racing programme. Despite their early exit in last year's race, the Australian Michael Doohan will again be battling on the track against his American rival, Kevin Schwantz, who has performed well at Donington. In this year's championship, the pair are lying first and second respectively.

The racing programme almost doubles from five races to nine, with the sidecar event being held on the Saturday. On Sunday, supporting the 125cc, 250cc and 500cc Championship races, the inaugural Shell Triumph Speed Triple Challenge race will include riders like Ron Haslam. An international superbike event, a round of the ACU Superteen Championship for under-21 riders and National races for 125cc and 500cc machines complete the action.

Advance booking with reductions closes on 21 July. Credit card bookings will be taken up to the race. There are plenty of hotels and guest houses in the area, and details can be obtained from the booking office. Donington has a caravan and campsite and campers will be entertained with motorcycle video shows and a grass- track event on Saturday night. On Thursday, 21 July, the paddock will be open to the public in aid of Save The Children Charity. All the riders will be present and the pounds 5 adult entry goes to the charity.

British Motorcycle Grand Prix, Donington Park, 22-24 July.

Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 9BR. Booking Office: 0332- 810048. Credit cards: 0602-483456.

Admission: Friday pounds 8 adult; Saturday pounds 10; Sunday: pounds 30 ( pounds 25 in advance); three-day trackside ticket: pounds 40 in advance; Saturday/Sunday ticket: pounds 33 in advance; Start/Finish Grandstand transfer: free on Friday and Saturday, Sunday pounds 20. Accompanied children, 15 and under, are free.

The circuit is adjacent to the East Midlands airport, three miles from junctions 23A/24 of the M1/M42/A42. Nearest railway stations are Derby and Loughborough on the London-Sheffield line (0332-32051), and Leicester and Nottingham. Bus connections from all four stations. (0332-292200 or 0602-240000).