Photo: Pete Austin
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of Tazio Nuvolari’s famous victory at Donington Park in the 1938 Grand Prix, a new plaque has been struck and unveiled at the circuit.
Taking place on October 22, 1938, the race was an 80-lap affair and the 17 starters included some of the greatest names and cars of the era. In practice for the race Nuvolari hit and killed a deer in the wooded section of the circuit. After the race, the deer’s head was mounted and presented to him as a memento.
Nuvolari started 2nd and as the flag fell instantly took the lead remaining in front until lap 26 when he had to make a stop to change spark plugs. Rejoining in 3rd place his aim was to catch the leading Mercedes of Hermann Lang. Lang led until half distance, but as he approached a backmarker a stone thrown up by a car ahead shattered the car’s windscreen and injured Lang. Nuvolari took advantage of the German’s misfortune and drove past him to take an extremely popular victory. The Flying Mantuan had not only won the race, but conquered the hearts and minds of the spectators too, and has become part of the rich tapestry of Donington Park’s history.
The plaque—sponsored by Eberhard watches—was designed by Donington Park historian John Baille, currently writing a book about the pioneers of the circuit, and was unveiled by circuit owner Kevin Wheatcroft.
By Mike Jiggle
