Maserati Corsa. Granturismo MC Trofeo series, Donnington. 17th July.

[Klive]

Was starting to get confused if it was a clockwise or anticlockwise track. Maybe even rally cross and I was at the wrong circuit.

 

[Klive]

And there endeth qualifying

 

[Klive]

Onto Sunday and the first race.

 

[Klive]

It got stopped on lap 17 due to a massive downpour at turn 1.

 

[Klive]

Race 2.
A little decorum at the start

 

[Klive]

And then it all went wrong

Car 32 driven by either Renato or Mario BENUSIGLIO made a small error and went off road.

Miles or Pat if you weren't around the back of the track when this happened you're going to be kicking yourself.





He went through a little spin at high speed in a gravel trap.

Normally cars would survive this!

 

[Klive]

He got back onto the road and went under the bridge through a shallow left hander.

There was a squeal, a smell of rubber and then







Just in case you hadn't noticed this is pointing the wrong way!

Leaping out, the driver, like all good drivers when parking their Maserati's to ensure they don't roll away, left it in gear

 

[Klive]

Fortunately he was at the back of the field so the Marshalls had a few moments to attempt to push the car.

But to no avail.

Now approaching this partially hidden car that had a scattering of gravel around it, at high speed, were some 13 other "Gentlemen" drivers, racing.

 

[Klive]

Here they come

 

[Klive]

The Safety Car was called out and car 32 unceremoniously "neutralised" and tugged to the side.

 

[lozcb]

Great pics Klive , ever thought of going into Murray Walkers line of work , Had all the potential for a great day shame about the rain , an the stoppage



regards loz

 

[Emtee]

Miles or Pat if you weren't around the back of the track when this happened you're going to be kicking yourself.

Thanks for the photo's Klive. They tell the story perfectly.

I was stood on the hill at Holywood / Craner Curves looking down through the Old Hairpin and on up the hill to Mcleans. Such a glorious piece of track! Subsequently I saw the 32 car go awandering and then park itself across the track at Starkeys. I must say I though he was a bit of a numptie, and the track commentator was none too complimentary either!

Looking forward to the footage when they post it to the Maserati Corse site.

Sorry we didn't meet up. From your photo's it looks like you were further down the hill from where I was watching. Didn't want to wander round the circuit too far, as I wanted to get back to the finish line for the end of the race, and to see them returning to their 'tent'. Hopefully next time.

Cheers, Miles.

 

[Klive]

We had some Grandstand tickets for the Sunday. Waste of money though. You get to see only a small part of the track except if your at the top of the Esses, then you can stand up and see some of the back and to top it, nobody was checking the tickets at this one.
We scouted around on Saturday and decided the best viewing point was near the bridge but I guess you get a better view of what happened under the bridge.

Maybe we'll meet next time.

Point to note there was a burgundy 3200 parked behind me in the car park.

 

[Emtee]

Point to note there was a burgundy 3200 parked behind me in the car park.

Really? Wonder who that was? Presumably not on the forum, unless they're lurking.

Sunday reminded me just what a delightful circuit Donington is, as I have to say I haven't been in ages. Patently obvious they were no where near securing the F1 slot though.

 

[Klive]

Patently obvious they were no where near securing the F1 slot though.

Agreed. Not only is the viewing arrangements insufficient but also the paddock, the pits and the track aren't right. But saying all that, they still race at Monaco don't they.

 

[Andyk]

Really? Wonder who that was? Presumably not on the forum, unless they're lurking.

Sunday reminded me just what a delightful circuit Donington is, as I have to say I haven't been in ages. Patently obvious they were no where near securing the F1 slot though.

I do love Donny Miles..Think its one of my fav tracks in the UK....

 

[Emtee]

I do love Donny Miles..Think its one of my fav tracks in the UK....

I think it's the 'back' complex Andy, it's so 'three-dimensional' if that makes sense? Dabbing the brakes as you go over the hump below Craner when the car goes light, and then trying to keep the line through the old hairpin so you have everything on hand for the run up the hill up to Mcleans. It's automotive poetry and doesn't half remind me of Eau Rouge - not in the layout, but it has that same fluidity to it.

Next track day?

 

[Maser Sod]

Had a good chuckle at the guy in the Maserati Corsa who spun when warming up his tyres

 

[Andyk]

I think it's the 'back' complex Andy, it's so 'three-dimensional' if that makes sense? Dabbing the brakes as you go over the hump below Craner when the car goes light, and then trying to keep the line through the old hairpin so you have everything on hand for the run up the hill up to Mcleans. It's automotive poetry and doesn't half remind me of Eau Rouge - not in the layout, but it has that same fluidity to it.

Next track day?

Looked into this last time Matt as I have driven it twice and loved it...Very fast track........But you are looking at £400 a person....

 

[Maser Sod]

Dabbing the brakes as you go over the hump below Craner when the car goes light...

The chap who came 3rd in the final Maserati Corsa race never braked once here - brave man.

I was arguing to my pal before the race that you could get through that section without braking, but just by easing off the throttle. So it was good that there was at least one person who tried it. My argument would have been stronger of course if the guy had won rather than come 3rd!