The Motor Racing Spectator

The rather garishly designed programme cover above gives you an idea where The Spectator headed to on this particular weekend. The first ever visit to Donington of the British Superkart Grand Prix, long circuit karting's main event of the year. I only went on the Sunday of the 2 day meeting and a glance at the timetable before heading to the circuit meant that a very long day was in prospect! A mammoth 18 races were scheduled along with a couple of qualifying sessions. It was no surprise however when the commentator announced (even before racing began) that all timed races were to be reduced in length. The British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) were the organisers of the weekend so car support to the Karts came in the shape of various races for the Classic Touring Car Racing Club (CTCRC), Clubmans ..who were celebrating their 50th Anniversary over the weekend, Classic FF1600 & FF2000 plus MG Owners Club. The grandly titled FIA/CIK Superkart European Championship had a pair ...

Don't panic loyal readers.... This giant "Gillette" logo painted on the grass at the Craner Curves doesn't mean that Donington's beloved former operator has returned to run the circuit to dig parts of it up for no apparent reason! Thankfully it is a remnant from the World Superbike meeting a week before and by the looks of it will be difficult to remove for a while yet.... The Historic Sports Car Club were in charge for a 1-day meeting on the National circuit on this particular day. A proliferation of events for the older car has seen it possible for competitors to race almost every weekend both in the UK or in Europe so, to be honest, I've tried to avoid going to much Historic racing in the last few years. However the HSCC have managed to maintain a clubbie, low-key feel to many of their meetings and this 8 race meeting was testament to that philosophy. It's actually quite rare these days to have a 1 day meeting. Circuit hire costs have risen to the e...