Mallory Park, the historic circuit in Leicestershire, played host to the first of this year’s JEC TrackSport events. The day gave Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club members a unique chance to experience this iconic circuit, both in their own cars, but also as passengers in famous heritage vehicles and race cars from Jaguar’s history.
The day began with the briefing for the morning session followed by an open pitlane taking attendees through to lunch. There was a huge variety of cars, from a Mark 2 through to XJS models, XKs, and F-types. The saloons were well represented with XFs, XJ6s and S-types taking to the circuit alongside the XJ40 race car of Jack Robinson.
Jack Robinson, a young driver, is embarking this year on his first season of racing and so will be one to watch from within the Swallows Racing Team.
The Swallows Racing Team dominated the paddock with their impressive transport truck, first seen out at Silverstone, that will be used to move the team’s vehicles to and from various victories within the championship during the season ahead.
The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust cars put on a superb demonstration during lunch break and included the famous ‘Ring Taxi’ XJ and XK180 prototype. The TWR built Jaguar XJR-15 of Andrew Maynard always draws a crowd and Neal Mugglestone’s XK180 replica braved the circuit as well. Alongside the many members’ road cars were a strong field of Swallows Racing supported championship race cars and, in keeping with the very ethos of JEC Tracksport, the racers were only too happy to give thrilling passenger rides for those present.
Other Jaguar celebrities present included the Meguiars S-type, out once again with the club sponsors and Dale Masterman was in attendance having flown in from Ireland especially to be there.
As much as the day gave an opportunity for an adrenaline hit, the Mallory Park Circuit is also a great place to learn race craft through JEC TrackSport. The event attracted a tremendous number of novices, and all took the advantage of training sessions with the JEC’s very own ARDS instructor, Ray Ingman. Ray was able to build drivers’ confidence and pass on some more advanced tips to those more experienced track day fans as well, who wanted to get that little bit more pace from their Jaguar, safely.
The weather overall was fine and sunny, but there were several very heavy downpours as the event headed towards the afternoon sessions. Despite the challenging track conditions that this presented, such was the support and guidance on hand for everyone, we are pleased to report that all cars got home safely and still in the pristine condition that their enthusiastic owners arrived with them in. Everyone who attended left with very wide smiles and excitement for the next event, which takes place on 26th June at Harewood Hillclimb and is open for booking now. We hope you’ll come and enjoy driving your Jaguar with us again then.
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Thanks to our sponsors: Swallows Racing , SNG Barratt, Meguiars, Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust.
