Group C cars to race again at Donington

More than 20 sensational Group C sportscars is set to race alongside the FIA Thoroughbred GP Championship and the Aston Martin Owners Club’s own series at its 60th Anniversary extravaganza at Donington on June 5/6. The 30-lap Group C event should be a highlight of the Historic season.

Early response from owners hints at a representative C1 grid, including Jaguar XJ11 models, Porsche 956s and 962s, Nimrod and EMKA-Aston Martins and, possibly, an Aston Martin AMR1. A C2 grid of Ecosse, Tiga and Cougar machines is expected.

Drivers of the calibre of Win Percy, Cor Euser and Gary Pearson have already been nominated, while Aston Martin ace Paul Spires has been flying ill testing with AM Racing’s Jaguar XJR11. Murray Smith will bring his ex-andworks 956 from the USA, and others are due from Germany and Sweden.

“We are very excited by the response,” said Jaguar specialist Don Law, coordinating the event with Roger Bailey and Richard Culverhouse of AMOC, “and we intend to promote a series of invitation races for the cars next season.”

Back in 1997, an attempt to start a two-race European pilot series foundered through lack of competitor support. Two years on, with the HSR’s Thundersports Group C and IMSA Enduro series booming in the USA, the climate looks more favourable. Anybody interested in bringing a car should contact Don Law on 01782 413875 (phone) or 01782 747063 (fax).