Anyone going? A must do for me; lucky enough to be at the wet European GP 1993, watching Senna's mastery from the Craner Curves, and poor old Tom sliding off demonstrating the Mercedes earlier (must find that old video tape). Would be great to meet up with anyone else who was also there on that cold, wet but amazing day 20 years ago.
Donington Historic Festival
Started by
Martyn Hey
, Apr 25 2013 10:19
51 replies to this topic
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#2
Allen Brown
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Posted 25 April 2013 - 10:40
Definitely going!
#3
Odseybod
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Posted 25 April 2013 - 10:57
I'm there on the Saturday (but doing blue-a*rsed fly impersonation).
#4
alansart
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Posted 25 April 2013 - 12:19
I'm hoping to go but am not sure which day. It's down to work, wife and kids 
#5
Giraffe
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#6
Pink Snail
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Posted 25 April 2013 - 18:37
I am deffo attending, will be arriving mid morning on Saturday and stopping at Markfield Travelodge Saturday night (£24 for a family room!) and back for a full day on Sunday. Will be milling around all over the place so hope to meet up with a few of the lads. Mrs is with me this time as is youngest daughter Lucy. The list looks good Tony, some nice Gp C cars on the entry and let`s hope the touring car list stays that healthy. The Senna celebration looks meaty aswell, and the weather is supposed to be good....must remember to block up! One of the marshalls is suffering badly with infected lips after the dust kicked up at the BTCC meeting has got under the skin of her lips that blistered in the sun, must remember to pack some lip balm also!!!
Was at DP yesterday and talking to one of the staff on the ground works. The infield is looking better but we must take on board that it is a 2 year plan to get it back. The recent bad weather didn`t help but this time next year the place should be back to pre-Gillett standards!!
Was at DP yesterday and talking to one of the staff on the ground works. The infield is looking better but we must take on board that it is a 2 year plan to get it back. The recent bad weather didn`t help but this time next year the place should be back to pre-Gillett standards!!
#7
TimRTC
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Posted 25 April 2013 - 18:49
There was incredible dust at the BTCC meet, every car than ran slightly wide at the Old Hairpin (and on the TOCA package that is a heck of a lot!) was throwing up clouds of dust.
I will be there on Sunday, looks to be a good day with the Group C and Pre-40s GP cars my personal highlights. Then on from there to Oulton Park for the Bank Holiday superbikes.
I will be there on Sunday, looks to be a good day with the Group C and Pre-40s GP cars my personal highlights. Then on from there to Oulton Park for the Bank Holiday superbikes.
#8
DN5
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Posted 25 April 2013 - 19:55
Also will be going there for the Sunday which will be my annual trip of the year to Donnington.
Geoff
Geoff
#9
Ted Walker
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Posted 26 April 2013 - 06:29
Yes I have a stand in the paddock by the Diner. There from Thursday.
#10
Martyn Hey
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Posted 26 April 2013 - 09:37
I'm going Saturday; maybe meet at your stand Ted? Will check the timetable for a suitable 'tween-race break - is there a circuit map showing the trade stalls area?
#11
Ted Walker
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Posted 26 April 2013 - 10:04
Martyn. No plan as yet. We are supposed to be in the paddock opposite the diner.
#12
Pink Snail
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Posted 26 April 2013 - 20:40
The trade village as was last year is still on the left side of the paddock assembly area for the majority, the split will be, as Ted says up near the diner/fuel station area. I spoke with Garry Rankin on Wednesday and the Donington Collection caravan/shop will be in the same area near the diner. I believe it is to create the effect of 2 trade areas instead of it all being in one place and the rest of the paddock area being `just cars`
#13
garyfrogeye
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Posted 26 April 2013 - 23:31
I'll be there on the Sunday helping on the Midget & Sprite Club Stand. Saturday I'll be at the Hertfordshire TNF film show.
#14
Canon14
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Posted 29 April 2013 - 12:44
I too was lucky enough to be at Donington in 1993. That was the only time I've been to a F1 race-day in the UK. If you are only going to do one, that was not a bad one to choose. I remember some young Brazilian did pretty well that day. Wonder what happened to him...? Called Barrichello.
I am planning on being at the Historic both days. I have this awful feeling this might be the first race meeting I've been to at Donington since 1993.
Steven
I am planning on being at the Historic both days. I have this awful feeling this might be the first race meeting I've been to at Donington since 1993.
Steven
Edited by Canon14, 29 April 2013 - 12:50.
#15
Belmondo
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Posted 29 April 2013 - 13:19
I am planning on being at the Historic both days. I have this awful feeling this might be the first race meeting I've been to at Donington since 1993.
Steven
Be prepared to stand half a mile further back from the track than you did on your last visit.
Edited by Belmondo, 29 April 2013 - 14:59.
#16
dwh43scale
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Posted 29 April 2013 - 20:58
Be prepared to stand half a mile further back from the track than you did on your last visit.
Whilst true in some areas, you can still get reasonably close on the inside of the chicane, or the inside of the Craner Curves. Or at least you could last year at the same meeting.
#17
Pink Snail
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Posted 29 April 2013 - 22:36
After the circuit re-opened in 2010, the requirements for safety reasons had a big impact on some areas with regards to viewing 
. The Redgate Lodge was deemed to be too close to the track so dismantled to be rebuilt at a later date somewhere else. The corner was changed and the gravel trap extended which pushed the spectator fences (now higher!!!) further back 
. The chicane was re-profiled slightly which made the pit straight longer and quicker, but the spectator area has improved in that part of the infield - so I believe. All things considered, the viewing experience at DP is a reasonable one and once the infield is back to it`s best in 2014, and landscaped to a finish, I really do think that we`ll have one of the best available.
Most of the circuit has remained as it was before so it wont be too much different to yesteryear. Anyway, the Historic Festival is fast becoming one of the must do events and the gate figures are growing every year.
....See y`all there guys!! 
. The Redgate Lodge was deemed to be too close to the track so dismantled to be rebuilt at a later date somewhere else. The corner was changed and the gravel trap extended which pushed the spectator fences (now higher!!!) further back . The chicane was re-profiled slightly which made the pit straight longer and quicker, but the spectator area has improved in that part of the infield - so I believe. All things considered, the viewing experience at DP is a reasonable one and once the infield is back to it`s best in 2014, and landscaped to a finish, I really do think that we`ll have one of the best available. Most of the circuit has remained as it was before so it wont be too much different to yesteryear. Anyway, the Historic Festival is fast becoming one of the must do events and the gate figures are growing every year.
....See y`all there guys!!
#18
Martyn Hey
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Posted 30 April 2013 - 14:34
Martyn. No plan as yet. We are supposed to be in the paddock opposite the diner.
Ted you wouldn't happen to have any photos of that '93 European Grand Prix you could bring along?
#19
alansart
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Posted 30 April 2013 - 16:35
Whilst true in some areas, you can still get reasonably close on the inside of the chicane, or the inside of the Craner Curves. Or at least you could last year at the same meeting.
I went back for the first time in about 5 years for the Masters Testing. Yes the fences are intrusive but there are still places for photography.
Coming out of the chicane you are quite close to the debris fence so it's possible to snap through it....
....plus you can get some fast stuff through the Craner Curves from the inside of the circuit.
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#20
TimRTC
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Posted 30 April 2013 - 17:19
Inside of Craner is best for individual shots, but the outside near Starkey's bar is excellent for pack shots, this from last year's festival:
#21
Martyn Hey
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Posted 02 May 2013 - 19:15
If that's right by the old bridge I reckon thats pretty much my viewpoint back in 1993. I'll aim to drop by Ted's stand around 1.30 on Saturday, if anyone's around for a chinwag.
#22
TimRTC
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Posted 02 May 2013 - 21:56
Midway between bridge and toilet block probably. Was there a grandstand there in 93?
I will probably be there Sunday after lunch. Feel free to say hi. I will have my Santa Pod jacket and stetson, not hard to miss! Spend the morning on the opposite infield.
I will probably be there Sunday after lunch. Feel free to say hi. I will have my Santa Pod jacket and stetson, not hard to miss! Spend the morning on the opposite infield.
#23
Martyn Hey
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Posted 03 May 2013 - 00:35
Found old camcorder tape, connected to tele, cameraphone still, rubbish quality. But it is 20 years ago. Wendlinger also made a good start but Senna had him by the Old Hairpin.
#25
Martyn Hey
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Posted 03 May 2013 - 00:49
Tom regrouped for another lap in the Merc, and stayed on the tarmac. Understand he wasn't very well that day and was determined to have some fun.
#26
Martyn Hey
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#27
TimRTC
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Posted 03 May 2013 - 07:28
Thanks a million for posting these. Was Tom distracted into spinning by those UFOs above him?
#28
Pink Snail
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Posted 03 May 2013 - 18:05
You are right in assuming that Tom was not well on that day Martin. He was actually wearing some kind of breathing aid under his clothing and really should have been in hospital. Such was his enthusiasm for the event, he defied the Doctor`s advice to take it easy and when climbing the stairs to the podium (according to his own words from the book) felt like he`d done 10 rounds in the ring (or something like that!!). He put on a brave face that day and I believe that Tom, ever the showman of Doningotn Park, would never let the race goers down. I`ve witnessed some of the drivers who are 100% fit struggling with these machines let alone someone who is in the condition old `Wheatie` was on the day!!
#29
Alan Cox
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Posted 04 May 2013 - 19:10
Chris Williams pressing on with his Bastos Rover SD1
It was marvellous to see Paul Chase-Gardner out with an immaculately presented 'Old Nail'
the first three finishers in race 1 of the Nuvolari Trophy, Mark Gillies with ERA R3A, Paddins Dowling with R10B and Callum Lockie showing great form in his first outing with with Sean Danaher's Maserati 6CM
#30
dwh43scale
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Posted 05 May 2013 - 07:47
A few snaps of Saturday's racing - captions to follow
#31
Martyn Hey
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Posted 05 May 2013 - 11:22
Fantastic day yesterday, exciting racing, (esp the F2s). Really enjoyed the atmosphere, and the chance to get close access to the cars in the garages, watching driver swaps at close-range, free access to pitlane balconies and grandstands, which is difficult at certain events. Great stuff, will put some photos up soon.
#32
TimRTC
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Posted 05 May 2013 - 15:15
Not good news here at the moment two rescue helicopters at the circuit no word on what happened. Must have been at the end of pre66 Touring Car race.
EDIT: Hour now and no news. Tannoy silent. One helicopter still here.
EDIT: Hour now and no news. Tannoy silent. One helicopter still here.
Edited by TimRTC, 05 May 2013 - 15:44.
#34
DampMongoose
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Posted 05 May 2013 - 16:30
Racing now abandoned.
My brother, nephew and uncle are leaving the circuit now, no news just people came round and said no more racing... Fingers crossed for those.involved sounds like a bad one!
#35
Giraffe
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Posted 05 May 2013 - 17:58
Official Donington Park Racing
Donington Historic Festival Statement: It is with great regret that the directors of Donington Park Racing Limited, operators of Donington Park Circuit, have to report that, following an accident in a race for historic touring cars held as part of the race meeting taking place on Sunday 5th May, the driver of car number 67 (a 1965 Mini Cooper S), Christian Devereux of Chiswick, London succumbed to the injuries sustained at approximately 16.30 hours.
The organising race club, HSCC and Donington Park Racing Limited, together with the circuit’s medical and emergency services, will now be co-operating with both the Leicestershire Police and motorsport’s Governing Body, the Motor Sports Association, in order to determine the cause of this tragic accident.
#36
joshb
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Posted 05 May 2013 - 18:03
Just got back into Derby- very sad to hear about the fatal injuries sustained to Christian Devereux.
Until then, it was a good days racing with lots of clean action- but began getting worried when I see ambulances leaving their posts on the inside of the Craner Curves and then an ambi-copter fly over.
RIP
Until then, it was a good days racing with lots of clean action- but began getting worried when I see ambulances leaving their posts on the inside of the Craner Curves and then an ambi-copter fly over.
RIP
#37
TimRTC
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Posted 05 May 2013 - 18:22
Such terrible news. Rest in peace.
It had been such a good day of racing, particularly after the multiple crashes last year caused by oil. Barely a single yellow flag. The incident must have happened around McLean's. So fortunately at least away from the main viewing areas.
It had been such a good day of racing, particularly after the multiple crashes last year caused by oil. Barely a single yellow flag. The incident must have happened around McLean's. So fortunately at least away from the main viewing areas.
#38
DampMongoose
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Posted 05 May 2013 - 18:32
Sad news. Thoughts are with his family and friends.
#39
DN5
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Posted 05 May 2013 - 19:26
Terrible news - although not totally unexpected (e,g. the time to recue cars in view indicated they were not a priority).
Share the sentiments about the thoughts for his family in friends.
When I was leaving the track I saw a lot of activity (in the distance) up at Coppice .
Geoff
Share the sentiments about the thoughts for his family in friends.
When I was leaving the track I saw a lot of activity (in the distance) up at Coppice .
Geoff
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#40
Martyn Hey
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Posted 05 May 2013 - 19:38
Very sad news, after such a wonderful start to the meeting.
#41
DampMongoose
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Posted 05 May 2013 - 19:43
Eyewitness confirms the mini had struck one of the mustangs before going off at coppice, according to notts news it didn't appear to be a particularly bad accident...
#42
jcdeleted
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Posted 05 May 2013 - 19:48
Official Donington Park Racing
Donington Historic Festival Statement: It is with great regret that the directors of Donington Park Racing Limited, operators of Donington Park Circuit, have to report that, following an accident in a race for historic touring cars held as part of the race meeting taking place on Sunday 5th May, the driver of car number 67 (a 1965 Mini Cooper S), Christian Devereux of Chiswick, London succumbed to the injuries sustained at approximately 16.30 hours.
The organising race club, HSCC and Donington Park Racing Limited, together with the circuit’s medical and emergency services, will now be co-operating with both the Leicestershire Police and motorsport’s Governing Body, the Motor Sports Association, in order to determine the cause of this tragic accident.
Tony
Thank you for a dignified. respectful and factual post. Sincere condolences to all involved and their friends and relatives. Not a good day. Don't really feel like going to Brands tomorrow, but no doubt I will.
#43
thebullet
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Posted 06 May 2013 - 10:16
Awful to witness just a terrible accident. I was stood watching for 2 hours with my finders crossed. As soon as I saw it happen I feared the worst.
Such a sad way to end a fantastic weekend.
RIP.
Such a sad way to end a fantastic weekend.
RIP.
#44
Martyn Hey
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Posted 06 May 2013 - 21:34
Some better aspects of the weekend; Kevin demonstrating the Mercedes recreation
http://imageshack.us...oftdrivingm.jpg
http://imageshack.us...oftdrivingm.jpg
#45
Martyn Hey
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#46
Martyn Hey
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#47
Martyn Hey
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Posted 06 May 2013 - 22:03
U2 TC race - great to see the Bob Jane Lotus Cortina still competing
http://imageshack.us...litres1crop.jpg
http://imageshack.us...litres1crop.jpg
#48
Martyn Hey
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#49
thebullet
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Posted 07 May 2013 - 08:31
If anyone fancies a quick flick through my photos from all 3 days, you are more than welcome.
https://www.facebook...5...6915&type=1
https://www.facebook...5...6915&type=1
#50
Odseybod
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Posted 07 May 2013 - 11:29
A few additional snaps from the happier Saturday at D.P.
Good to see the recreated XJ12C and genuine TWR XJ-S going well (at least until the earlier car stopped a lap before the end of its race - very authentic).
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
It may look as though the Bugatti pilot is pointing out a particularly ugly photographer but I think he's merely suggesting on which side the others should overtake him.
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Good of the BBMF to drop in for a couple of stirring laps - the Spitfire is their LF Mk XVI.
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Kevin Wheatcroft wasn't hanging about in the replica W125 originally commissioned by his Dad, though I thought it sounded very different from other W125s I've heard (perhaps it's still running in?)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
The Cunningham looked and sounded the part and fortunately had just enough oil to last till the end of its race (at least I assume that's what the smoke was).
[
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Good to see the recreated XJ12C and genuine TWR XJ-S going well (at least until the earlier car stopped a lap before the end of its race - very authentic).
Uploaded with ImageShack.usIt may look as though the Bugatti pilot is pointing out a particularly ugly photographer but I think he's merely suggesting on which side the others should overtake him.
Uploaded with ImageShack.usGood of the BBMF to drop in for a couple of stirring laps - the Spitfire is their LF Mk XVI.
Uploaded with ImageShack.usKevin Wheatcroft wasn't hanging about in the replica W125 originally commissioned by his Dad, though I thought it sounded very different from other W125s I've heard (perhaps it's still running in?)
Uploaded with ImageShack.usThe Cunningham looked and sounded the part and fortunately had just enough oil to last till the end of its race (at least I assume that's what the smoke was).
[
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Edited by Odseybod, 07 May 2013 - 12:05.
