the wacky races

It doesn’t matter if you’re Dick Dastardly or Penelope Pitstop, the cars are the stars at this legendary race meeting

WORDS MATT BROGAN

Photo: Matt BroganThe Historic Winton brings the nostalgia and excitement of bygone motor sports racing back to life at Australia’s premier historic racing event.

Held at Winton Motor Raceway, an idyllic country racetrack in north-eastern Victoria, the Historic Winton is hosted jointly by the Austin Seven Club of Victoria and the Historic Motorcycle Racing Association (Victoria) on the last weekend of May each year.

The 32nd running of the Historic Winton promises to be an action-packed weekend featuring over 400 historic cars, motorcycles and sidecars.

Photo: Neil HammondBoasting a spectacular variety of vehicles from the past century, with an emphasis on “the older the better”, the Historic Winton enthusiastically involves the spectator by allowing for a hands-on experience. Not only can you wander among the cars in the pit area, but all parts of the circuit are visible from almost any vantage point. And if the cars are of more interest to you than the racing, there’s also the static Shannons Classic Vehicle Display featuring hundreds of rare and desirable old vehicles (and their owners).

The 2008 meeting celebrates a smorgasbord of anniversaries in Australian and international motoring. Milestones include 110 years of Renault; 100 years of the T-Model Ford and their arch rival General Motors; 80 years of the Austin Seven’s victory at the Australian Grand Prix; 60 years of Holden, Australia’s Own Car; 50 years of the Austin-Healey Bug Eye Sprite; and 40 years of Australia’s legendary Holden Monaro and Bolwell sports vehicles. It will also showcase the only surviving Wanderer race car. This unrestored Australian Grand Prix entrant will give spectators a true appreciation of the evolution of motor racing.

One of the greatest things about racing in the Historic Winton is the camaraderie among the car enthusiasts as they take their precious babies for a high-speed spin around the country track
Photo: Matt Brogan

I first raced at the Historic Winton in 1998 as a fresh-faced and slightly naive 21-year-old. I’d rebuilt a classic Australian muscle car and was inspired by my car club to try the event. The car was a mandarin red 1976 Holden HJ Monaro GTS and was a fine example of its kind, winning several trophies at Show and Shine events. Being in such good nick, I was a little reluctant to take my car on the track at first, but upon hearing how these events are co-ordinated, I was encouraged.

While the thrill of winning is there at Winton, everyone is a little more respectful to one another’s cars and shares a relaxed attitude to overtaking. Certainly, the excitement of competing on track with other cars from the same era is a rare treat and while racing isn’t for everyone, I can tell you from my first-hand experience it’s brilliant fun.

The practice laps on Friday fill you with butterflies when you consider your precious car is at stake. But the adrenaline is soon pumping and any thoughts of pulling out are forgotten as you hold at full throttle down the main straight.

On the Saturday the cars are given a final check before heading out to race.

Sitting on the starting grid, your mind is in slow motion, preparing for the rush into the first corner. When the flag drops, that V8 power rushes you from the grid for the hectic shoot out into the first corner. It’s a buzz of colour and movement. Smaller Morris Minis pass under your mirrors as their prowess through the tight turns shines through. Knowing they’ll be breakfast at the next straight brings on a wry smile.

It’s a quick burst up and down the gearbox for the first few turns until you disappear momentarily around the back of the circuit. Owners of larger cars have a job on their hands as many vehicles pre-date power steering. Another fight of the wheel and a howl from the tyres off the ripple strip sees you line up a short straight down the back of the track before running around the newer portion of the circuit. Shorter straights and a few sharp bends again see the mighty Minis, Toranas and Cortinas make some ground before the final sprint up through the main straight sees the Mustangs, Falcons and Monaros reclaim some ground.

Lap by lap we race, really enjoying the thrill of hearing the cars come to life, singing at full throttle, picking off lesser competitors for a position higher in the field.

In the final moments, the dash to the finish line is hard fought and everyone is giving it their all to see the chequered flag fall first.

The author with his mandarin
red 1976 Holden HJ Monaro GTS
Photo: Matt BroganAs you cross the line, you feel the adrenaline wane and your heart start to slow as you make it through unscathed. Second place is met with nods of the head and little waves which really let you know you’re among friends.

Indeed, the camaraderie between participants is a major draw card for the event. Some call the competitors eccentric, I prefer to say passionate. Open your bonnet after the race and you’ll be beating off helpers with a stick.

I was star-struck when the late great racing driver Peter Brock took a shine to my car. Having starred in advertisements for it decades earlier, he spent his much sought-after time in the pits with me chatting about the car. A truly genuine character, he gave his time willingly to the hordes of enthusiasts gathered by my car. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience which could only have happened at Historic Winton.

The tips I’ve picked up about how to race are invaluable, learnt from men and women spanning all ages. Some are older folks who are either recapturing their youth or never really grew out of it. Others are young with a passion for old vehicles. Many stalwarts have been coming here for decades, since before I was born. I too have been going back year after year, if not to race, then to enjoy the weekend’s action and catch up with some familiar faces.

So whatever era of motoring takes your fancy, and be it motorbikes or cars, this is a certainty, the Historic Winton is an iconic event that spans the ages.

Find it:
24–25 May 2008 at Winton Motor Raceway, Old Hume Highway, Winton, Victoria. Entry is AU$20 Saturday, AU$30 Sunday, children under 14 years free. Winton is located 10 minutes from Benalla, two hours north-east of Melbourne. Book accommodation in advance. Modern hotels and motels are available in Benalla and Wangaratta. For something more country-style, try neighbouring towns like Tatong, Swanpool, Glenrowan and Wahgunyah.