The 2024 Donington Park season wrapped up in spectacular style with its traditional Stage Rally this past Sunday. The event, known for its adrenaline-packed atmosphere, saw drivers face challenging conditions due to overnight rain that lingered into the morning, making the specially designed stages slippery and treacherous.
A Rally Spectacle with 90 Competitors
This year’s rally saw a full entry list of 90 rally-prepped machines, from classic icons like Ford Escorts to modern rally monsters like Mitsubishi Evos, Subaru Imprezas, and even legendary WRC cars such as the Metro 6R4. The competition spanned six bespoke stages, each averaging 8 miles, creatively utilizing various parts of the Donington Park circuit.
The stages were a true test of driver skill, incorporating obstacles like tight tyre chicanes, precision-demanding handbrake turn points, and off-road sections, providing thrilling entertainment for the spectators.
UNIQUE COURSE LAYOUT
What set this rally apart was its creative use of the venue. Drivers navigated segments not typically seen in other events, including the paddock areas, Tarmac Lake, and sections of the circuit driven in the opposite direction. These unconventional elements added another layer of difficulty to the already slick conditions.
Jack Morris, co-driver of Car 15—the stunning 2.5L Millington-powered Escort MKII—shared his thoughts after the first session, describing the course as “really greasy and challenging” due to the rain.
Final Standings.
The competition was fierce, with the top three crews separated by mere seconds after all six stages:
1. John Griffiths / Emma Morrison – Skoda Fabia R5 (+0.17 secs)
2. Michael Igoe / Will Atkins – Citroen C3 Rally (early stage leaders)
3. John Stone / Alex Stone – VW Polo R5 GTI
The thrilling conclusion saw Griffiths and Morrison edge out Igoe and Atkins by a razor-thin margin, capping off the event with an exhilarating finish.
Spectacular Crowd and Atmosphere
A large crowd braved the demanding weather to witness an unforgettable display of rallying, with power slides, tight corners, and roaring engines filling the East Midlands air. The Stage Rally at Donington Park has cemented its place as a highlight on the MSV calendar, delivering a fitting finale to the 2024 season.
