As the racing season continued, the vibrant atmosphere at Donington Park drew motorsport enthusiasts eager to witness an exciting weekend of club racing. The team from PLN was on site, capturing the electrifying moments as a variety of events unfolded on the track. Despite the approaching winter, the weather presented a mixed canvas, with dark clouds and intermittent light rain making their presence felt until midday. Fortunately, conditions improved as the day progressed, allowing the action to flourish.
Competitors took to the track in a series of varied grids throughout the weekend. Notable events included the 5Club MX-5 Cup, Radical Bikesports, Club Enduro, F1000, Formula Vee, MR2 Championship, Roadsports, and Sports 1000. Each series brought its own unique flavor to the event, showcasing the skill and dedication of the drivers involved.
Among the highlights of the weekend was the exuberant display of BMW racing, with thrilling participation from the 116 Trophy, 116 Sprint, and 120 Coupe Cup Cars. The enthusiasts in attendance relished the opportunity to see these powerful machines in action, adding to the electric atmosphere of the event.
The 5CLUB Mazda MX5 Cup set the stage for the weekend with a spirited 15-minute warm-up session followed by qualifying. The rain from earlier in the day left the track surface greasy, providing a challenging yet entertaining spectacle as drivers skillfully navigated their cars, occasionally breaking into sideways action.
Following the MX-5s, the Radical Bikesports Championship took to the track. These single-seater vehicles, powered by high-performance four-stroke motorcycle engines, delivered an audio feast as their revs echoed around the East Midlands GP circuit. The balance of speed and precision handling created a thrilling environment, particularly as drivers approached the challenging Redgate corner, requiring both skill and composure.
Pitlane News caught up with Daniel Cogswell in the Nissan Almera #20 and he had this to say when asked how it was going ……“It was very greasy and slippery! We struggled a little as we only had nankang AR1's tyres or full wet tyres. We didn't have a tyre fully suited to the conditions like most others so struggled. But we pushed on and won our class and got fastest lap which was nice.”
The TEGIWA Roadsports series, known for its popularity among competitors, showcased a mix of production sports and saloon cars in an engaging mini-endurance format. The series allowed for a degree of customization with four classes tailored to various power-to-weight ratios. With a race duration of 45 minutes that included a compulsory pit stop, competitors had the option to switch drivers and vehicles, promoting a cost-effective approach to racing while maintaining the excitement.
The Thrill of the Track: A Look Back at the 116 Sprint & 120d Coupe Cup and Beyond
The 116 Sprint and 120d Coupe Cup, a highlight of the motorsport calendar, captivated fans as it ranked fourth on the event list. These popular races featured two mid-morning sessions—Session A followed by Session B—each comprising 10-minute rounds leading up to qualifying and a race later in the afternoon. The excitement was palpable as drivers showcased their skills behind the wheel.
Following the 116 Sprint and 120d Coupe Cup, the NANKANG Tyre-sponsored Sports 1000 Championship took center stage, quickly gaining the attention of motorsport enthusiasts. This championship was closely followed by the ZAMP Helmets Formula Vee and F1000 Championship, creating a thrilling atmosphere that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
The Sports 1000 cars bore a striking resemblance to Radicals in both design and performance. Utilizing 1000cc motorcycle engines and slick tires, these machines delivered exhilarating performances that rivaled even the lap times of British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) competitors. The sight and sound of these powerful vehicles racing around the circuit provided a genuine pleasure for fans, allowing them to witness the remarkable skills of each driver as they navigated the twists and turns of the track.
Meanwhile, the ZAMP Helmets Formula Vee cars were a testament to the spirit of affordable motorsport. These small, extremely lightweight single-seaters were powered by engines, gearboxes, and running gear sourced from VW Beetles. This approach aligned perfectly with the ethos of the 750 Motor Club, which has proudly promoted affordable motorsport since 1939, earning its reputation as the "Home of Affordable Motorsport."
Each session showcased the thrills and excitement that make racing a beloved pastime for many, leaving fans eager for future events on the calendar.
Overall, the weekend at Donington Park encapsulated the spirit of club car racing, offering thrills, competition, and camaraderie among both drivers and fans alike. It was a reminder of why motorsport continues to capture the hearts of so many, even as the days grow shorter and the winter months approach.
ARTICLE SPONSORED BY SPONSORS4RACING....
