Donington Park, 2–4 May 2025
This past weekend, Donington Park once again echoed to the thunder of engines past as the Donington Historic Festival (DHF) delivered a triumphant return, this time in a newly invigorated form. Over three glorious days, more than 300 iconic machines from motorsport’s golden eras took to the famed Grand Prix circuit for a spectacle that not only thrilled enthusiasts but also set a new benchmark for historic racing festivals in the UK.
With Motor Racing Legends now at the helm, DHF 2025 was elevated to new heights. From the expanded three-day format to the event’s first use of Donington’s full Grand Prix circuit, every detail was carefully curated to immerse spectators in the raw emotion and heritage of motorsport. The result? A 13% increase in attendance compared to 2024, and a palpable buzz that coursed through the paddock, grandstands, and infield alike.
A New Era Begins
The changes were not merely logistical. A refreshed visual identity — drawing inspiration from the bold, iconic race liveries of the 1970s — infused the venue with nostalgic vibrancy. Individual ‘garage’ tents lined the paddock with precision, creating a stunning visual promenade, particularly as visitors were greeted by rows of Pre-War Sports Cars, parked like mechanical sculptures beneath canvas peaks.
But it was the introduction of the GT3 Legends grid that made perhaps the biggest impression. Making its debut to instant acclaim, this collection of modern classics proved a visceral crowd favourite. Two thrilling races saw Jonathan Mitchell take a dominant double victory in his Prodrive-built Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3, but just as memorable was the opportunity fans had to study these automotive titans up close during the lunchtime pit walks.
Living History on Track
Track action came thick and fast, as the festival honoured its roots with a programme packed with historic grids. The ‘Mad Jack’ for Pre-War Sports Cars proved a poignant highlight, commemorating the 90th anniversary of Donington Park’s first Grand Prix. Gareth Burnett’s triumph in his Alta Sports felt like a fitting echo of the circuit’s earliest days.
The Super Touring demonstration was a time machine to the high-octane 1990s. With 17 of these thunderous saloons lining up — including David Leslie’s Vauxhall Cavalier and Fabrizio Giovanardi’s Italian championship-winning Alfa Romeo 156 — the demo run ignited memories of a much-loved era in British Touring Car history. Nearby, two legendary Formula One machines — Jenson Button’s Williams-BMW FW22 and Giancarlo Fisichella’s Benetton B198 — drew dense crowds, which only swelled when the cars fired up for their own sensational laps.
Competition and Camaraderie
Throughout the weekend, DHF played host to a dazzling variety of race series. The U2TC races for 1960s under two-litre touring cars saw 2003 Le Mans winner Guy Smith dominate in a Lotus Cortina, claiming both rounds. Meanwhile, the HMRN Pre ’63 GT race served up a Cobra clean sweep, with Dario Franchitti and Gregor Fisken taking victory in their Shelby 260.
The condensed Pall Mall Cup proved every bit as compelling in its shortened two-hour format. The Lynn family duo — Shaun and Max — delivered a masterclass in strategy to steal the win in their nimble Lotus Elan.
In the Historic Touring Car Challenge with Tony Dron Trophy, Jonathan Bailey and Andy Middlehurst unleashed the full force of the Kyoseki-liveried Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R to take overall honours, while Raphael De Borman claimed the Tony Dron Trophy in his Capri 3.0S. The Woodcote and Stirling Moss Trophies brought poise and drama in equal measure, with victories for Lotus and Cooper teams respectively, helmed by familiar names like Olly Bryant and Patrick Blakeney-Edwards.
Star Power and Storytelling
One of the most heartfelt narratives of the weekend unfolded in the Formula Junior races. With separate contests for front- and rear-engined machines, the field was as diverse as it was competitive. Ray Mallock lived up to the hype with a win in the U2 Mk2 designed by his father, while Alex Ames took a deserved rear-engined win in his Brabham BT6, continuing his impressive early-season form.
Ferrari purists were treated to a trio of fiercely fought races courtesy of the Superformance Ferrari Club Classic series. With F355 Challenges battling mere tenths apart, Tim Mogridge, Wayne Marrs, and Tristan Simpson ensured fans were never far from high-revving action.
Elsewhere, the HRDC brought its trademark charm with the Gerry Marshall Trophy, Jack Sears Trophy, and the combined Dunlop Allstars and Classic Alfa Challenge closing the weekend in spectacular fashion. Standout moments included Alex Brundle co-driving Simon Lewis’s Jaguar XJS to victory and Peter Smith — father of Guy — taking a win in the Lotus Cortina alongside rising star Harri Reynolds.
Looking Ahead
As the sun set on Donington Park and the final chequered flag waved, there was little doubt that the 2025 Donington Historic Festival had delivered on every promise. Under Motor Racing Legends’ stewardship, the event has evolved while remaining deeply rooted in the spirit of vintage motorsport — an achievement that bodes well for the years to come.
The cars may be historic, but the excitement was as fresh as ever. DHF will return in 2026 — and if this year was anything to go by, it’s not to be missed.
