The much-anticipated Donington Historic Festival returns on 2–4 May 2025, promising a thrilling weekend of world-class historic motorsport. With the official timetable now revealed, fans can plan their visit to experience a packed schedule of high-speed action, legendary cars, and immersive paddock access.
Racing at its Finest
For the first time, the festival will see racing on the full Donington Park GP circuit, adding extra excitement for both drivers and spectators. Iconic machines will battle through the Fogarty Esses, tackle the Melbourne Hairpin, and charge onto the Wheatcroft Straight before diving into Redgate corner.
Managed by Motor Racing Legends, the 2025 edition will feature 17 races spanning ten decades of motorsport. Expect thrilling competition from highly skilled drivers, including familiar faces from BTCC and Le Mans.
Friday 2 May – Historic Racing Takes Centre Stage
The action kicks off with two races for the nimble Formula Junior single-seaters from the 1950s and ‘60s. Fans of classic touring cars will enjoy the U2TC series, showcasing under-two-litre saloons from the early 1960s. Ferrari enthusiasts can savour the first of three Superformance Ferrari Classic Series races.
Friday’s qualifying sessions include vintage pre-war sports cars, setting the stage for Saturday’s race celebrating Richard ‘Mad Jack’ Shuttleworth’s 1935 Donington GP victory. The day also features sleek GT cars from the HMRN Pre-’63 GT grid, alongside pre-’66 GT and touring cars competing in the Royal Automobile Club Pall Mall Cup. Adding a modern touch, the GT3 Legends series will showcase high-performance machines from the 2010s.
Saturday 3 May – A Day of Variety and Endurance
Saturday begins with a qualifying session for the crowd-pleasing Historic Touring Car Challenge, featuring cars from the 1970s and ‘80s. More qualifying follows, including the Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy & Stirling Moss Trophy grids for pre-’56 and pre-’61 sports cars.
The first race of the day is the ‘Mad Jack’ for pre-war sports cars, followed by the HMRN Pre-’63 GT contest and the opening GT3 Legends showdown. Fans will also enjoy the second Superformance Ferrari Classic Series race and U2TC competition.
Capping off the day is the epic Royal Automobile Club Pall Mall Cup, a three-hour endurance battle where strategy and skill determine the victors.
Sunday 4 May – A Treat for Touring Car Fans
Sunday delivers an unmissable lineup for touring car enthusiasts, featuring legendary tin-top racers in multiple categories. The day opens with the Historic Touring Car Challenge, followed by the HRDC ‘Gerry Marshall Trophy Series’ for pre-’83 Group 1 and Group 1/2 touring cars. The HRDC ‘Jack Sears Trophy’ showcases 1958–66 saloons, while the HRDC ‘Dunlop Allstars’ and HRDC ‘Classic Alfa Challenge’ bring an exciting mix of pre-’66 sports, GT, and touring cars.
Additionally, fans can enjoy the final GT3 Legends race, the concluding Superformance Ferrari Classic Series contest, and the prestigious Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy & Stirling Moss Trophy event.
More Than Just Racing
Beyond the track, the Donington Historic Festival offers a wealth of attractions:
- Formula One and Super Touring Car Demonstrations – Organisers will reveal details soon, but expect stunning machines from motorsport history.
- Open-Access Paddock and Pitlane Walks – Get up close to the cars and meet the teams behind them.
- Classic Car Displays – Dozens of clubs will showcase rare and cherished models in the infield.
- Supercar Driver Parade – High-performance machines will take to the track during lunchtime parades.
- Trade Village and Charity Passenger Rides – Browse motorsport memorabilia or take a spin with Sporting Bears for a good cause.
Plan Your Visit – Ticket Information
Advance discounted tickets start at just £15 for adults (16+), with further reductions for teens aged 13–15. A full three-day weekend ticket offers excellent value at £45 for adults and £28 for teens, while under-13s go free.
Secure your tickets and find out more at www.doningtonhistoric.com.
Which Race Are You Most Excited For?
With so much on offer, which part of the Donington Historic Festival excites you the most? Let us know in the comments below.
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