21 Dec 2015 Shepparton News, Shepparton VIC (General News) by Gregor Mactaggart ONE MILLION DOLLAR FUNDING CONTRIBUTION SECURES THE FUTURE OF WINTON MOTOR RACEWAY The future of Winton among the elite of Victorias premier motorsport venues is assured. The Victorian Government on Friday announced it would contribute $1 million in funding to the Winton Motor Raceways On Track For The Future project. The project, which consists of a full resurface, along with major upgrades and safety improvements to the famous 3.0 km circuit, near Benalla, will bring the venue in line with the latest standards. Winton annually hosts a round of the V8 Supercars Championship, the most popular motorsport category in Australia. But it is utilised on a regular basis for other events, including the Australian Superbike Championship, which visited in October, the Shannons Nationals, Australian Super Truck Championship and Easter Car Mania. Benalla Auto Club Group chief executive Chris Lewis-Williams said the upgrades to Winton were critical in ensuring major events remained at the venue. The resurface works are not a cheap exercise, but they are vital to ensure we can continue to hold major national race meetings, such as the V8 Supercars Championship, Lewis-Williams said. The upgrades we will be conducting will include a full resurface of track, using some of the most highly-regarded engineers and technology in the field. Continued on page 19 MOTORSPORT Future secure Continued from page 24 Lewis-Williams said the impact of the upgrades would be felt not only by the countrys finest motorsport participants, but those with a passion for all things cars. (These) benefits will also be enjoyed by all the other patrons who use Winton, including those who race in the state and club-level race meetings that have been the foundation of the Benalla Auto Club for so many years, he said. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the project would contribute significant benefits to the economy in the region. This investment and track upgrade will ensure that Winton Motor Raceway remains country Victorias premier race venue and continues to host international events, such as the V8 Supercars Championship and Australian Superbikes Championship, Symes said. Having grown up in Benalla I know how important having a successful raceway is to the community, it fills our motels and restaurants and every race meet is a boost to the local economy. Copyright Agency licensed copy (www.copyright.com.au)