Donington Park Saturday 6th April 2013

Having just about thawed out from my visit to Mallory Park on Easter Monday, it was time to dig out the thermal underwear again 5 days later and head for Leicestershire's other circuit-Donington Park. BARC were in charge for a 13 race program. 11 of the 13 races were televised live by Motors TV and I'm sure the viewers sat at home would have been pleased with the quality of racing as much as I was.
There were double-headers for PCGB Porsche Club, Classic Formula Ford, Mazda Max 5, Citroen 2CV, Kumho BMW & Clubmans along with a single MG Invitation race. Each series provided a large grid of cars no doubt swelled by the prospect of live television. Gaining sponsorship at club level is extremely difficult so exposure to a large audience is a great way of getting sponsors onboard. The only downside with being on the "telly" is any mistakes will be replayed again and again....
Highlights of what was a very good meeting were the Classic Formula Ford races. The lead battle in both races was superb with some very good driving standards on show. With quick man Ben Simms starting from the back in race 1 and finishing 5th there was plenty of overtaking. A worrying incident occurred in race 2 however when leader Mike Gardner's Van Diemen RF80 shed it's left rear wheel on entry to the Old Hairpin. The Motors TV cameraman had barely time to react as it hit the tyre wall directly in front of him at enormous speed. I complain about catch fencing a lot but it's only when you see a loose wheel at speed do you realise how dangerous it can be.
Other races of note where the good old Citroen 2CV's who whirred around at genteel pace but as always put on a good race and special mention to the 30 car grid of Mazda MX5's. Such is the state of British motor racing that this was one of three separate series catering for the MX5 racing this weekend as various other series could be found at Pembrey and Rockingham.....All in all a very enjoyable meeting to watch trackside and as the day unfolded a large orange ball in the sky provided spectators with what can only be described as mild warmth! The Spectator's skin burns under a lightbulb so not packing the suncream was a mistake....
My first visit to Donington in 2013 and not many changes to report. A lot of earth moving has been taking place on the Infield towards McLeans & Coppice as part of the circuit's long term plan to restore the area to former glories following the GP debacle. The plan is to have the whole Infield back in action for 2014.
Admission was £10 (£5 Donington Supporters Club discount) with programme £3
SPECTATING TIP....Don't leave your sandwiches unguarded if watching near the Old Hairpin as there's an unusually tame Squirrel about.

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