The Donington Park Circuit has a long and interesting history going back to 1931 when it broke the monopoly Brooklands held as the only purpose built motor race track in the UK. It became particularly famous for hosting Grand Prix in the UK between 1935 and 1938, particularly when the German “Silver Arrows” dominated the field in the latter two of these years.
The circuit is laid out in beautiful countryside half way between Derby and Nottingham, allowing spectators to view furiously driven cars against a calming backdrop of rolling parkland.
Donington Park was requisitioned by the military during WW2 and fell into disrepair until being purchased in 1971 by successful construction entrepreneur and car lover, Tom Wheatcroft. Tom then embarked on a huge programme of restoration and reconstruction leading to its reopening as a race venue in in 1977. I can well remember a great day in 1973 when, a a student at Nottingham University, sneaking into the partly restored circuit with fellow “autoholiic”,’ Richard Fox. We drove his newly acquired MGB GT (which had replaced a brand new TR6 that was afflicted by the infamous Lucas fuel injection issues) on the bits of tarmac that were drivable.
It was my first taste of the delights of trying to master oversteer for, as a Mini owner, I had been used to the front ploughing rather than the rear swinging. It proved to be a good part of my university education as I started work at the Ford Motor Company soon after. At the time Ford saw RWD as a cheaper and more reliable approach. – though were already in the process of developing the FWD Fiesta, which emerged in 1977.
Fast forward to 2011 and the first Donington Historic Festival took place there – organised by Motor Racing Legends. It rapidly established itself as one of the premiere events on the historic racing calendar and I have had the pleasure of photographing all bar one of them.
The weather in the UK can be quite variable in early May but this year so it was a relief that we were blessed by reasonable temperatures and plenty of sunshine for the 17 races. Competitor vehicles ranged from Prewar to relatively recent GT3 cars.
Highlights included seeing no less than 4 of the recently produced “continuation” Benleys, 3 Blowers and a Speed Six.
Many businesses are now located on site including a new AC factory and Showroom – which can be seen here behind one of the very earliest Cobras that AC produced
One of the very latest Cobras was on display in the showroom
Demo runs by two F1 cars were another highlight – with Jenson Button’s Wiliams and a Benetton.
For those interested in competing with smaller cars there was also a magnificent slot car circuit that quite accurately replicates the real Donington track, having recently been built by Andy of Speed Lovers Petrol Heads.
Overall a great 3 days of motor racing followed by a much gentler drive home
