Motoring history on track

DIEHARD competitors and spectators weathered the wet conditions on May 28 to make the 46th Historic Winton weekend another big success. Len Kerwood, Austin 7 Club president and Historic Winton organiser, said all 47 car, motorcycle and sidecar races went to plan at Winton Motor Raceway. He said the Saturday practice, first races and displays provided a day of thrills and excitement for spectators, whilst on Sunday the race vehicles provided a formidable display of rivalry despite rain slowing down the pace. "A first for Historic Winton was the Group N Tin Top (Touring Cars pre–1958 to 1972) in the inaugural Regularity events when the fields included six FJ Holdens, a Ford Cortina, A Shelby Coupe, a Vauxhall PB and a VW Beetle," said Mr Kerwood. "Drivers estimated their race time and the one closest to the nominated time is the winner." The Tin Top Regularly winners of their three races were: Race 1, Len Read in a 1964 Mini Cooper; Race 2, Eric Spokes in a 1957 Holden FE; and Race 3, Brian Russell in a 1949 Holden FX. The Military Brotherhood Military Motorcycle Club were honoured as leaders of the convoy of especially selected historic display vehicles for the Sunday Parade, an annual event highlight. Mr Kerwood said the Austin 7 Club was grateful to all involved – the car, motorbike and sidecar competitors, spectators and the large band of volunteers who team up to create this iconic Australian historic motorsport event as well as allied events. "Adding to the weekend's excitement was about 70 motoring enthusiasts enjoying the Benalla Historic Vehicle Tours, run by the Benalla Rural City Council, that visited the silos, wetlands or maze and rose gardens on the prior Friday," he said. "We also thank the Benalla Art Gallery for its partnership in the Hot Lap sculpture exhibition over the weekend. "All in all, it was a spectacular, solid weekend of historic motoring and motorsport activity for regional and city Victorians as well as visitors from around Australia." The 47th Historic Winton will be back next year on May 25 and 26.

Motoring history on track

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