On September 5–7, a “Tribute to Mark Donohue” was held during SVRA’s Zippo Vintage Grand Prix at Watkins Glen. This special event, honoring one of America’s most talented engineer/drivers, was organized by Paul Powell, a long-time admirer of Mark’s.
Sixteen vintage racecars from Donohue’s racing career were present including his first racecar (an Elva Courier) and various Trans-Am, sports car, Formula One and even NASCAR machines. The assembled cars from Donohue’s past participated in a downtown festival on Friday evening and ran two honor laps around the old original Watkins Glen circuit.
Sue Donohue, Mark’s first wife and his sons, Michael and David Donohue, their families and about 20 former crew members took part in the weekend’s festivities, which included a Friday evening cocktail party at the International Motor Racing Research Center featuring reminisces of Mark’s outstanding career, live and silent auctions of original artwork and rare photographs, and live music.
On Saturday, the returning crewmen assembled in the pit bleachers and fielded questions from the fans in the stands. The Donohue cars did several parade laps around the modern Glen circuit, with David Donohue driving his father’s Penske PC1 Formula 1 car.
