Nearly brilliant: How I came so close to winning at the Donington Historic Festival

ROAD ATLANTA, APRIL 25-27

A trip to Georgia in the US for Historic Sportscar Racing’s IMSA Prototype Challenge in Gary Ball’s Ligier LMP3. An electrical problem scuppered our race, but what a weekend. Road Atlanta is mega, especially in a high-downforce car. My wife Nikki and I then took some holiday and went up to Chattanooga, staying on the famous Choo Choo train.

DONINGTON PARK, MAY 2-4

We flew back and headed straight for the Donington Historic Festival, where John Spiers and I were nearly brilliant – but not quite enough! In Pre-63 GTs, we took pole and fastest lap in John’s Cobra and I nearly caught Gregor Fisken at the finish. Gregor was sharing with Dario Franchitti and it was lovely to be on track with him.

We also got pole in John’s E-type in the Pall Mall Cup, but a clutch problem stopped us. In the Stirling Moss Trophy, we again got pole and fastest lap in John’s Lister Knobbly, but we lost the best part of a lap through a badly timed safety car.

A stub axle problem on John’s Capri meant we started the Gerry Marshall Trophy in 33rd – and last – place and we ended up finishing fourth. And finally (phew!) we were leading the Jack Sears Trophy on the last lap in John’s Mustang only for the fuel pump to pack up. Gutted!

OULTON PARK, MAY 10

What a contrast: the four-hour VW Fun Cup! I’ve been helping John Martin get licence signatures because he’s doing the Le Mans Classic in an Aston Martin DB2/4. Our third driver was Guido Basile, who raced in 1980s F3 and early 1990s British F3000. Guido is a polo player now and hasn’t raced in 20 years. A real character with lots of stories!

Our top events this month

Race the waves
Bridlington, June 12-15
You’re right, Bridlington smells of seafood – but then again it’s the ‘Lobster Capital of Europe’. This stretch of Yorkshire coastline was also once a location where Land Speed Records were attempted. This event aims to recreate some of that excitement with hot rods, vintage and classic cars and bikes. From 10am daily, admission free.

1000 Miglia 2025
Brescia-Rome-Brescia, June 17-21
For the third year, the course of ‘the most beautiful race in the world’ will follow the pre-war figure of eight from Brescia to Rome and back, taking in Verona, Bologna, Siena, Empoli and Parma; a total of 400 cars from 29 countries. Andrea Vesco and Fabio Salvinelli are hoping for a fifth consecutive victory with their 1929
Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS Zagato.

Le Mans classic
Le Mans, France, July 3-6
The biennial is back; in 2023 a record 235,000 visitors were at the Classic making this the world’s largest gathering of its kind. This year, expect to see 700 racing cars and 8000 classic cars. Of course there’s music too, including Cerrone. From £36.

Equipe 6 hours
Donington Park, Leicestershire, July 5
New on the calendar, this enduro for pre-66 GT cars will see Cobras, Mini Coopers, Cortinas, Mustangs and Elans – a maximum of 40 racers –running into the evening, with a party to round off the day. Paddock open throughout. Adult entry from £16.

Goodwood Festival of Speed
Goodwood, West Sussex, July 10-13
With Formula 1 celebrating its 75th anniversary, Goodwood says there will be an “F1 takeover”, with an accessible paddock so you can get close-up to the cars. From £75. Camping available.

More events
Jun 22 MotoGP – Mugello, Italy
Jun 26-29 WRC – Acropolis Rally, Greece
Jul 13 WEC – São Paolo 6 Hours