All roads lead to Winton Raceway

By Kath Gannaway
HISTORIC Winton, Australia’s largest and most popular all-historic motor race meeting, will take place this coming weekend at Benalla.
The weekend which has traditionally been a favourite with Yarra Valley car and bike race enthusiasts, presents two fabulous days of non-stop racing.
Featuring over 400 historic racing cars and motorbikes from the 1920s to the 1980s the event now in its 34th year lives up to its slogan: “The older the better, our cars are our stars!”.
Historic Winton spokeswoman Jo Pocklington said anyone who had a classic or special-interest car or bike was invited to join the spectator car park display on the Saturday or Sunday.
The 2010 celebrations include 100 years of Alfa Romeo, 120 years of Peugeot, 50 years of the revolutionary Peugeot 404, 75 years of Jaguar, the 60th anniversary of the Victorian Austin 7 Club and the significant contribution of BMW to the world of historic motoring.
Ms Polkington said highlights this year include a display of early model Alfa Romeo vehicles, including pre-war Alfa Romeo race cars competing on track, the ever-expanding Shannons Classic Car Park, including a display by the Vintage Sports Car Club, classic car and bike club displays, Depression era ‘Aussie ferals’, a spectacular collection of non-restored but still running and registered cars, ‘Howlin’ Humpies’ and vintage speedway bikes and midgets.
On the Friday 28 May, the Benalla and District Classic Car and Motorbike Tour will set off from the Benalla Art Gallery and conclude with a ‘Shine and Show’ display outside the Benalla Civic Centre between 3pm and 5pm. Red plate vehicles are welcome. Assembly is at 9am. Further information on this event phone David Lidgerwood on 5764 4291.
Raceway entry fees are Saturday $20, Sunday $30, competition paddock $5 and children 14 and under no charge.
For further information of Historic Winton phone Noel Wilcox on 5428 2689, email bigboytoyco@bigpond.com or visit www.historicwinton.org.