The Donington Historic Festival is a regular event for Classic Yorkshire (CY) and this year it was even better value as CY was able to offer subscribers a 50% discount on ticket prices and infield parking.
Last years event was still hungover from Co-Vid and the displays were not as well populated as in previous years and the grids seemed thinner. But I am delighted to say that it is back on top form.
The infield displays were full and you could see everything from the ever popular MX5 to rare Japanese imports such as the Nissan Skyline. There were plenty of British cars from the Mini to the E-Type and exotica from Bentley and Ferrari. If you couldn’t find half a dozen cars you would sell your soul for then you have no feelings.
On track action was fast and furious with some bizarre combinations. Where else would you see an Austin Maestro racing against a huge American Plymouth.
Whatever your taste in cars the racing was sure to please. The Woodcote Trophy features pre 56 and pre 61 sports cars. Here you found a smattering of Jaguars (C Type, D Type and XK140) racing against tiny Lotus’s and a couple of Austin Healey’s.
Next up were the Historic Touring Cars with Rover SDI’s, Ford Capri’s and the inevitable Lotus Cortina’s. The Superformance Ferrari Club series presented Italian exotica with all manner of Ferrari’s from the Mondial to F355 challenge cars. Inevitably the more modern cars were out in front but its good to see them out on the track.
The pre 66 GT and Touring cars, pre 63 GT’s and Pre 61 sports cars all run together in a single race. Here you find TVR Grantura’s taking on nimble Lotus Elans, Cobra Daytona’s and Jaguar E-Types.
For those who like saloon cars the Pre 83 Touring Cars is the race to watch. Here you found Chevrolet Camaro’s pitched against Rover SDI’s, Ford Capri’s, Mazda RX7 and some delightful Alfa’s.
If you are into classic aircraft then the Spitfire flyover is something not to be missed. Personally I would like to see the addition of a historic rally stage and more retail but that’s just me.
I could go on listing the races but I think you get the picture. For more details take a look at the website https://www.doningtonhistoric.com/.
I hope that this review has given you a taste of the event and that you might pencil in 5th and 6th May 2025 for your visit. With luck we will be able to get a discount on entry for Classic Yorkshire subscribers. If you run a club then you can register with MSV and have a display of your own.
You can view the results of all the races on the link below.
https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/241851
