Historic Winton race meeting is back

Winton’s annual race meeting and showcase of historic cars, motorcycles and sidecars is set to return to the track for the 44th Historic Winton.

Cancelled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions, a slightly smaller program for what’s billed as Australia’s largest and most popular all-historic motor race meeting will take place later this month at Winton Motor Raceway near Benalla in north-east Victoria.

According to event organisers, there’ll be around 300 car, motorcycle and sidecar competitors in 48 races over the weekend of May 22-23, with plenty of first-timers lining up on the grid.

“Surprisingly, we have a number of first-time or new competitors from around Victoria which we are thrilled about,” said event secretary Peta Lee.

“We had no idea what to expect, but the event is so loved [by fans] that plenty are keen for another dose of historic motorsport action.”

Ticket sales are said to have opened on a strong note, with purchases only available online due to COVID-19 contact tracing requirements. 

Lee said purchasing and registering in advance means ticket holders should flow quite quickly into the event.

Because there are fewer displays this year – which typically cover vintage tractors, caravans, speedway cars and speedboats, model planes, dragsters and more – Lee said tickets have been reduced to $30 per adult, with anyone 17 years old or younger free upon registering for the event.

Camping is also available over the weekend, at a cost of $50 per person.

“The support from spectators is amazing, with people keen to get into the outdoors around the Winton racetrack to see the historic [vehicles] tough it out,” she said.

The 44th Historic Winton will be presented by the Austin 7 Club with the assistance of the Historic Motorcycle Racing Association of Victoria.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Images: Andrew Day, Colin Rosewarne, Terry Wright