Aythorpe Promotions Limited (APL) has this week acquired Motor Racing Legends (MRL), one of the world’s leading historic race promoters that participates in iconic events such as the Silverstone Festival, Spa Six Hours and Oulton Park Gold Cup. The agreement will also see APL acquire the Donington Historic Festival, which takes place this weekend (4-5 May) at Donington Park.

Aythorpe Promotions, the motorsport events business led by Shaun Lynn, one of the UK’s most notable historic racing participants and car collectors, is behind the initiative and commented: “It is a privilege to be taking the reins at Motor Racing Legends. Over two decades, Duncan Wiltshire and his team at MRL have built a unique series that covers some of the finest touring car, sports car and pre-war grids in Europe.

“It is our hope that, through a shared passion for historic motorsport, we can help to write the next historic motorsport chapter. We’re delighted that Duncan will continue to lead the business until the end of 2024 and we look forward to working alongside his team to deliver what is set to be an outstanding season.”

Duncan Wiltshire, founder of Motor Racing Legends, added: “I’m thrilled that Shaun and his team at Aythorpe will pick up the Motor Racing Legends baton. His passion for our sport is there for all to see and we know that the future of MRL is in safe hands. We’re all looking forward to the 2024 season and the opportunity to work together to drive the long-term future of the organisation.”

The 2024 season gets underway in style with the Donington Historic Festival on May 4/5 which will see races including the Pre ’63 GT, the Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy and Stirling Moss Trophy, as well as the Royal Automobile Club Pall Mall Cup 3-Hour Pre ’66 Endurance Race. The two-day event will also feature races from the HRDC, including the Jack Sears, Gerry Marshall and Dunlop Allstars trophies, as well as the Superformance Ferrari Club Classic. Tickets for the weekend are available online or at the gate.