A fabulous assortment of top notch retro racing action, a stunning off-track line-up of display areas and exhibits, parades, demonstrations and aerial displays kicked off this year’s Donington Historic Festival in real style.

Racing action kicks off

Four spectacular races formed the main on track showcase, with events for sports cars, Ferraris, and flame-spitting tin tops. The Jaguar D Type of Gary Pearson was victorious in the MRL Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy & Stirling Moss Trophy, with Dafyd Richards second in a Lotus Eleven.

Former BTCC star Andy Middlehurst claimed victory in the MRL Historic Touring Car Challenge at the wheel of a Nissan Skyline, alongside Jonathan Bailey, and there was more BTCC-themed success in the MRL Royal Automobile Club Pall Mall Cup as Jake Hill was victorious alongside Kyle Tilley in a TVR Griffith.

Finally, Wayne Marrs triumphed in the Superformance Ferrari Club Classic Series.

Bentley boys become lunchtime legends

One of the major on track highlights was a spectacular demonstration of the Bentley Speed 8 and EXP Speed 8 Le Mans machines, as part of the centenary celebrations of the marque’s first win at Le Mans.

The Speed 8, the type victorious at Le Mans in 2003 and its experimental predecessor completed several high speed laps in flying formation, driven by World Touring Car champion Rob Huff and Max Lynn, and they weren’t holding back either, as they screamed around the legendary East Midlands venue.

Hundreds of classic cars take over Donington Park

There were cars almost everywhere across the venue, with examples on show on the infield, paddock and the Melbourne Loop.

At the latter location, a stunning assortment of Porsches, Ferraris and Ford Mustangs really caught the eye, and there were more ‘pony cars’ all around the site as the event also celebrates 60 years of the iconic American muscle car.

The majority of cars on display took to the track after the Bentleys, making for a spectacular sight as an almost endless train of classics toured the circuit.

Family fun all round

A bustling paddock trade area was filled with unique memorabilia stands, while simulators kept all ages entertained in Garage 39, as guests lapped a virtual Donington Park.

Dream Car passenger rides were operated by the Sporting Bears, allowing visitors to experience classic cars in the local area, while Huff and Shaun Lynn took part in a Q&A session, where fans were given the chance to put their questions to the drivers.

And of course, the annual highlight from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight ensured attentions turned to the skies, as a Spitfire blasted over the venue.

So much more to look forward to on Sunday

All the key highlights will be back for more tomorrow, while several categories will race for the first time this weekend.

The Ferraris return, but Sunday will feature the Gerry Marshall Trophy for epic touring cars, and more tin tops from the HRDC Jack Sears Trophy and the HRDC Dunlop Allstars & HRDC Classic Alfa Challenge.

Sports and GT cars will race in the MRL Pre 63 GT, while one of the event’s traditional favourites, the Mad Jack Pre-War Sports Cars will do battle, as cars from the past century of motoring do battle again.

Tickets will be available on the gate all day tomorrow, with free entry for children under-13. For more information, click this link.