In just two weeks’ time the air round Donington Park will reverberate to the glorious sound of historic race car engines as more than 400 world-class competition cars dating from the 1920s to the early 2000s battle it out at the Donington Historic Festival.
The all-access paddock will be scented with the unmistakable fragrance of Castrol R and other evocative odours that instantly transport enthusiasts back to the golden era of motorsport. It’s a classic motor racing fan’s dream come true, as Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Austin-Healey, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Frazer Nash, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lister, Lotus, Porsche – to name but a few of the legendary marques represented in the entry list – take to the track in a living motorsport museum.
Touring Car buffs have not one, not two, but five different grids of ‘tin tops’ spanning six decades with seven races between them. There’s glamour galore in the 1950s and 60s GTs and sports cars, and single-seater action from historic Formula Juniors, Formula 5000 and Formula 2 cars, while proving that age is no barrier to agility on the track, a fine selection of pre-War sports cars will show what motor racing looked like in the 1920s and 30s.
Spectators can also enjoy a celebration of Donington Park’s famous 1993 European Grand Prix with F1 car track demonstrations on the Saturday and Sunday of the event, plus static displays on all three days. In addition, there are pitlane walks, Group B rally car and historic kart demonstrations, thousands of classic cars gathering in the infield, lunchtime classic car club parades and DHF’s family-friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Advance discounted tickets
Online tickets offer great discounts over buying on the gate, starting at £10 for the Friday qualifying day (£15 on the gate). Children aged under 13 are admitted for free and there are discounted tickets for teenagers aged 13-15. Car parking is free, and owners of pre-1990 classics who are not attending with one of the registered clubs can request a free infield display parking pass when they book their tickets.
For more information on the Donington Historic Festival and to book your tickets, please visit www.doningtonhistoric.com