The Historic Sports Car Club of Great Britain held its season-opening championship races at a revamped Donington Park circuit at the beginning of April. A new multi-million-dollar pit and paddock complex has been constructed during the winter and features new garages, control tower, conference, media and administration centers. Donington now offers greatly improved facilities, including 12 additional pit garages. This returns the facility to international standard and has been achieved without spoiling the essential character of the circuit.
The 9-race HSCC program presented a challenge to drivers, who had to contend with heavy showers and a strong wind. Tire choice for single-seaters in the Derek Bell Challenge round became difficult to call. Mark Dwyer in his March 742 ran out a worthy winner, by 1.6 seconds from Simon Hadfield (Lola T300) and Martin Stretton (March 712), the latter on a charge after a first-lap spin. Simon Hadfield was also the star of the Classic Sports Car race, starting from the back of the grid in David Clark’s Elva Mk 8 and coming through the field to finish 3rd, behind the Schryvers, with Michael’s Chevron B6 beating older brother James and his Chevron B8. The Chevron pair circulated in close company for much of the race and made a fine sight.
The ever-enthusiastic HSCC has scheduled 14 further events this year, including the Brands Hatch Superprix on May 6–7, Silverstone Classic July 28–30, the Oulton Park Gold Cup August 26–28, and Spa Francorchamps on September 30–October 1st.
By Keith Booker
