Historic Winton 2009

Over the May 30 -31 weekend, hundreds of four and two wheel machines covering all the classic racing classes kept the big numbers of spectators captivated, while spectators and competitors alike enjoyed good weather throughout.

With 2009 marking a number of automotive milestones, the always-popular spectator paddock area featured special displays of Minis, Morgans, Triumph Heralds and more, with the Morgans being a particular highlight.

With the Mini celebrating its Golden Anniversary, there was a big contingent from the Vic Mini Club, including a backyard-bodied special.

The Humpy Holden speedway cars were there again, along with a number of other rare and desirable vehicles. In the competition paddock, the Aussie Specials attracted a crowd all weekend, with a special display in honour of Lou Molina featuring a Bugatti, MGs, and the beautiful Holden-powered 'Monza'.

The Group J & K races are always a highlight, with the Group K Specials sharing track space with Group J oddities,

one of the more intriguing of which was Frank Cuttell's 'Gipsy Fiat' - a low-slung special based on a 1929 Fiat 501 chassis, powered by a Gypsy Moth aeroplane engine.

JUST CARS sponsored races in Saturday's Group Nc and Sunday's Group S classes. In the former, Tony Hubbard's Chev Camaro held off Anthony Read's nimble Mazda RX2 and Michael Hibbert's R/T Charger. In Sunday's first Group Nc race, Leo Tobin scored one for the Aussies in his Torana XU1, finishing clear of Michael Holloway's Morris Cooper S, with Read close behind. Hubbard, Read & Hibbert went 1-2-3 again in the final Nc race of the day.

In Group S, Terry Lawlor's Porsche 911 Carrera was simply unstoppable, winning all three races, including Sunday's Alan Jones Trophy.

The only serious competition came from Tony Karanfilovski's striking silver and yellow Alfetta GTV. Brian Weston was the best in Sb, piloting his MG Midget to third in all three races. Ian Ross may not have been the quickest car on the track, but if they had an award for best exhaust note, his roaring Shelby GT350 would have scored a trophy!

Source: JUST CARS, August 2009, Collectors Issue #162