36TH HISTORIC WINTON 2012 STARTS TODAY

Before the weekend's activities, red plate vehicles can take part in the Benalla & District 'Classic Car & Motorbike Tour', assembling 9AM today, May 25 at the Benalla Art Gallery. The tour concludes with a 'shine & Show' display outside the Benalla Civic Centre from 3-5PM, weather permitting. For further information, please phone David Lidgerwood on 03 5764 4291. The Benalla & District tour is proudly supported by the RACV, Benalla Rural City Council and The Austin 7 Club.

Conducted by the Austin 7 Club, with assistance from the Historic Motorcycle Racing Association, Vic., Historic Winton boasts a packed program of racing, with spectator access to the paddock area to see the machines up close. In addition to the track action, there's also plenty to see off track in the Shannons Classic Car Park, where a number of car clubs will be showing off their member's machines.

In addition to the car and bike displays noting significant milestones (50 years of Ford Cortina and AC Cobra, 75 years of Volvo, 110 years of Cadillac, etc.), there will also be two new special displays on the Sunday: 'Historic Commercial and Military Vehicles'; and 'U Bute Aussie Ute'. The former welcomes classic commercial and military vehicles, with free entry for those vehicles 50 years or older. The U Bute display is specifically for pre-1975 utes, with giveaway packs to the first 200 eligible ute entrants, and other special trophies on the day.

Public entry fees for Historic Winton are $20/person Saturday May 26, $30/person Sunday May 27. Children under 14 FREE. Competition paddock entry $5/person.