Engines echoed through Donington Park over the weekend of May 2–4, as over 300 historic racing machines roared into life for the 2025 Donington Historic Festival. With superb racing, evocative demonstrations, and a distinct sense of style and spectacle, this year’s event was a clear step up—offering a masterclass in historic motorsport, heritage design, and immersive fan experience.
Under new stewardship from Motor Racing Legends, the festival has been elevated—literally and figuratively. For the first time, the full Grand Prix circuit was in use, giving these legends of the track the space they deserve. Attendance rose by 13%, a testament to the event’s growing appeal, and the three-day format created space to explore, admire, and immerse oneself fully in the sights, sounds, and stories of racing’s golden eras.
New Grids, Nostalgia and Grandstand Moments
Among the standout additions was the debut of the GT3 Legends grid—bringing modern classics like the Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 roaring back into competition. For fans who appreciate contemporary performance with historical pedigree, this was a highlight. Jonathan Mitchell piloted the V12 Vantage to a commanding double victory, while fans got up close with these spectacular machines during pit walks that were as educational as they were exhilarating.
Classic touring cars from the Super Touring era—complete with original liveries and period detail—evoked unforgettable memories. Machines like the Vauxhall Cavalier, Alfa Romeo 156, and the final Audi Quattro STW ever built reminded visitors why this was one of the most exciting eras in motorsport history. The paddock buzzed with conversation, camera flashes, and storytelling from every generation of racing fan.
Icons on Track and in the Paddock
Track demonstrations offered moments of pure theatre. Ex-Formula 1 cars, including Jenson Button’s Williams-BMW FW22 and Giancarlo Fisichella’s Benetton B198, weren’t just admired—they were heard and felt, their engine notes drawing crowds to the fences in a show of collective awe. The return of the Supercar Driver parade, alongside classic car club displays, added yet another layer to the experience, blending the curated with the enthusiast-led in perfect balance.
Endurance, Elegance, and Engineering Brilliance
From the Mad Jack Pre-War Sports Cars—honouring Donington’s first Grand Prix in 1935—to the beautifully campaigned Shelby Cobras in the Pre-’63 GT grid, each race was an exhibition of driving craft and historical preservation. IndyCar legend Dario Franchitti joined Gregor Fisken to secure a Cobra victory, one of many memorable wins across the weekend.
In the Royal Automobile Pall Mall Cup, shortened to a tense two-hour sprint, Shaun and Max Lynn used clever racecraft to claim victory in their Lotus Elan—proving endurance racing is as much about brains as it is about horsepower.
Touring car fans were treated to a packed grid in the Historic Touring Car Challenge with Tony Dron Trophy, while the HRDC races, full of Jaguars, Cortinas and Alfas, brought a mix of charm, character, and competitive edge to the event’s closing stages.
Donington Delivers – With Distinction
With reimagined presentation, immersive paddock layouts, and upgraded spectator experiences, Donington Historic Festival 2025 was more than just a motorsport event—it was a living museum, a lifestyle gathering, and a moment of reflection on just how far motoring passion has come.
At Masters of Motoring, we celebrate this blend of engineering and elegance, culture and competition. The spirit on show at Donington mirrors our own vision—to bring the automotive world to life through curated experiences, concours excellence, and community passion.
The Donington Historic Festival returns in 2026—but for those looking for the next essential entry on their calendar, don’t miss the Masters of Motoring Weekend at Castle Combe Circuit & Bowood House, 7–8 June 2025.
🎟️ VIP packages and exhibitor access are available now at
