Event Report 25/03/07

750 Motor Club

The first race's at Donington on the 2007 calendar was the 750 Motor Club meeting, which is known for it's close and competitive racing. The DPRAC also sponsored the round so members were able to access two suites for the event and were provided with a free buffet. As usual, the club also awarded the winners and runners up prize money, which was very welcomely recieved from all competitiors.
The first race of the day was the 7 Challenge & allcomers. This race series is for caterham 7 or lotus 7 cars with different classes determined by power to weight ratio's to keep the racing close. There was also an "allcomers" class where everything from a BMW M3 to a MG ZR competed.
The racing was very tight with Jon Paul Ivey taking first place (pictured above) and Simon Ford taking second (pictured left) both driving Radical Prosport's. Both drivers were happy with their performances and thanked the DPRAC for the money that they received.
 
The second race of the day was Sports-Racing & GT challenge. This class were for older GT cars, replica or original, which were built upto but not including 1976. Cars that took part were Jaguar D and E types, crossle's, a ginetta and a few cobras, one which was fitted with a 7 litre engine!
 
Both winners raced Cobra's and were again asked to recieve their cheques from the suites where the DPRAC members were waiting. Winning the race was Notts based Nick Taylor (Pictured above) and coming in second was Clinton Dorrell (pictured left). Both were extremely happy with their performances and Nick Taylor e-mailed thanking the club for it's good work in sponsoring the racing, which was a gesture that was very gratefully received.
The third and eighth races were the Demon Tweeks/ Yokohama Hot Hatch and Stock Hatch Championships. These races consisted of two classes, Hot Hatch and Stock Hatch therefore cheques were awarded in race three to the stock hatch winner and runner-up and in race eight we awarded money to the hot hatch winner and runner up. Both races were very tight, with the hot hatch runners obviously being quicker, creating two packs of cars. The stock hatch racers in race three provided thrilling racing but in the end, Matt Whisher (Pictured right) in his Peugeot 106 led for the whole race and deserved to win.
Coming in a very close second was William Hornsey also in a Peugeot 106 but in a Rallye model. William (pictured left) was always close to Matt but did not have the pace to make a telling manovure and had to settle for second. Both drivers visited the members suites and were awarded cheques. Again both drivers were happy to recieve the money and both stopped and chatted to members which was great to see.
In race eight, the hot hatch race was fast and furious with Tony Dolley, Isla and Brian Cox dominating in their Peugeot 206 GTi's. Tony Dolley won the race by a good margin, followed by second placed Ilsa Cox. Tony's Peugeot sounded fantastic and has to be heard to be believed! Tony picked up his winners cheque (pictured right), and was very pleased with the prize money. Sadly Isla didn't pick up her cheque from the members on the day, but has been sent the cheque and we are sure Ilsa will be pleased.
The next sponsored race was the 750 Motor Club Kit Car Championship which races production kit cars which must be capable of passing an MOT. This class of racing also gives close and competitive racing which is very enjoyable to watch. There was quite a large grid and it was Andy Hilley (Pictured Left) that won the race.
Jim Goodwin (Pictured Right) came in a very respectable second in his Sylvia Phoenix.
The MDS Battery RGB Championship was next to take to the Donington Circuit. This class is a motorbike engined class, where either production or custom built kit cars can be used. All cars within the championship must be capable of passing a MOT. This championship is made of very fast cars due to their light weight coupled with very powerful motorcycle engines. The racing is frantic and usually quite close.Gordon Griffin (Pictured) won the race in his T5 Mission, with Rob Baldwin coming in second.

The final race was the Saxmax Championship. Designed to give 14-17 year olds a chance at racing, they use Citroen Saxo VTR's and it is a very close racing series due to the identical cars that rae used. Sadly there was a very heavy crash and the race had to be stopped before the full race distance had been completed but the final standings did stand. Sam Schofield won the race, followed by Leyton Clarke who took second. Both drivers have been sent their cheques but were unable to attend the suites. Thankfully the driver involved in the crash was only shaken and bruised.

The DPRAC committee and officers would like to thank all of the members that attended. It was an enjoyable day for all involved. Nick Taylor also e-mailed the club and wished to thank everybody. The e-mail is in the club's office so pop in and see it. You may also be able to speak to one of the committee.....