The Donington Historic Festival, a celebration of classic racing, captivated audiences last weekend with an impressive lineup of historic races showcasing cars from the 1920s through to the 1990s. The event’s 13th iteration offered not only adrenaline-pumping race action but also other attractions like the unforgettable sight of two Bentley prototypes – a 2000 Bentley EXP Speed 8 and a 2003 Bentley Speed 8 – which were crucial in Bentley’s victory at the Le Mans in 2003.nnThese Bentleys roared around Donington Park throughout the festival, marking Bentley’s centenary win at Le Mans. Rob Huff, World Touring Car Champion of both 2012 and Scandinavian Touring Car Champion of 2020 took control on Saturday while Guy Smith, who won Le Mans in 2003 drove on Sunday. Adding to this spectacle was a Spitfire flypast from the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.nnA Q&A session highlighted “Bentley at Le Mans,” featuring insights from Guy Smith and Howden Haynes, who worked as Data Engineer for Bentley between ’01-’03. Shaun Lynn discussed how he came into possession of these remarkable vehicles. Additionally, touring car enthusiasts enjoyed another Q&A with Rob Huff alongside his British Touring Car Championship rival Jake Hill.nnThe festival featured renowned drivers including two winners from Le Mans—Guy Smith and David Brabham (winner in ’09)—and numerous current and former touring car drivers such as Josh Cook and Andrew Jordan.nnRacing commenced with Gary Pearson winning the Stirling Moss Trophy driving his Jaguar D-type; Rudiger Freidrichs claimed victory in his Jaguar C-type for Woodcote Trophy. Jonathan Bailey and Andy Middlehurst triumphed in their Nissan Skyline during various challenges that included historic touring cars.nnFerrari fans witnessed three Superformance Ferrari Club Classic races dominated by Wayne Marrs among others battling fiercely across F355 models resulting in Marrs’ overall win after close finishes within seconds apart.nnSaturday concluded grandly with Kyle Tilley alongside BTCC driver Jake Hill securing victory after three hours competing against five top-tier cars finishing together within one lap difference during Royal Automobile Club Pall Mall Cup race.nnTouring Cars saw John Young take home first place driving Chevrolet Camaro closely followed by Michael Whitaker Jnr.’s Rover SD1 less than three seconds behind during HRDC Gerry Marshall Trophy competition.n nJeremy Cottingham paired with Harvey Stanley emerged victorious over John Spiers/Nigel Greensall’s Shelby Cobra along Matt Walton’s E-type Jaguar during Pre ’63 GT return to Donington Park.n nIn ‘Mad Jack’ pre-war sports car category Rudiger Friedrichs repeated previous year’s success clinching first place ahead Gareth Burnett’s Alta Sports model followed by Rubert Beebee’s Frazer Nash TT Replica reflecting original era racing thrills experienced at Donington Park.n nMike Whitaker Snr excelled amongst TVR Griffith competitors taking lead position against John Davison plus Ben Colburn steering Alfa Romeo GTAm topping Classic Alfa Challenge division within HRDC Dunlop Allstars contest.n nHRDC Jack Sears Trophy culminated festivities where Ford Lotus Cortinas swept podium led by Guy Smith succeeded by David Dickensen then BTCC star Josh Cook leaving spectators enthralled describing it as “Absolutely fantastic racing.”nnOff-track activities enriched visitor experience beyond races offering open-access paddock exploration pitlane walks art exhibitions trade stands charity Dream Rides via Sporting Bears Motor Club plus ‘Old Tom’ steam roller display used originally constructing track back in ’30s era complemented British Historic Kart Club Stand exhibiting karts initiating many Formula One careers.n nCar clubs contributed significantly displaying more than fifty groups including Porsche Club GB celebrating Mustang’s sixtieth anniversary adding vibrancy to Melbourne Hairpin area while lunchtime parades showcased club members’ pride possessions creating memorable DHF moments when commentators got distracted spotting Lola T70 crossing Infield partaking club exhibition.n nDonington Historic Festival promises its return next year promising similar excitement for motorsport aficionados seeking further details can visit www.doningtonhistoric.comnnFor additional media information contact Karen Coe or email karen@historicpromotions.comnImages credited Jakob Ebrey Photography
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