11 Oct 2017 Benalla Ensign, Benalla VIC (General News) by Simon Ruppert Race fans are in for two more years of V8 action at Winton Motor Raceway after funding was secured for the Winton Super Sprint until at least 2019. Full story on page 5 V8s secured for two years V8 Supercar fans will be treated to at least two more annual events in the region after funding was secured for the Winton Super Sprint until at least 2019. State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced the funding for Winton Motor Raceway and the Benalla Auto Club this week leading to the V8 Supercar Series confirming they will be back for the next two years. Ms Symes said Tourism, and Major Events Minister John Eren had approved $600 000 for the Benalla Auto Club. Ive worked very closely with Benalla Auto Club to secure the regional events funding and I am pleased that V8 Supercars have confirmed they need our fantastic country raceway to promote their sport, Ms Symes said. Labor is right behind Benalla Auto Club having previously upgraded the track and assisted with improvements at the 2017 event. Winton Motor Raceway operations manager Wayne Williams said it meant a great deal to have secured the race for another two years. Its our pinnacle event for the year, it certainly attracts a large crowd from across Australia, so to have it for another two years means a lot, Mr Williams said. Jaclyn Symes and the Labor government has certainly helped us out there, which were extremely grateful for. We hope to continue this event well past the current two-year agreement. At this stage we dont know what the V8 series will be doing in three years time, but we do hope to be part of it. Ms Symes said the Benalla Auto Club had some exciting plans for next years event to showcase what was fantastic about North East Victoria, giving race fans a new experience. Events at Winton are not only fantastic for racegoers, but bring in millions of important tourism dollars for the North East region, Ms Symes said. The Labor Government assisted the Benalla Auto Club with funding of $1 million to resurface their track in 2015 and I am pleased through my advocacy that additional tourism funding has been secured. North East Victoria has something for everyone including motoring enthusiasts, food and wine buffs, arts and culture lovers, and outdoor adventurers. Mr Williams said Winton Motor Raceway was working on a variety of new ideas for off-track, and ontrack entertainment for the event. The 2018 Winton Super Sprint will take place during the weekend of May 18 and Winton Motor Raceway expect more than 50 000 V8 fans from across the country to attend. For more information, visit www.supercars.com or www.wintonraceway.com.au Caption Text: Right: Shane van Gisbergen celebrates his victory at Winton earlier this year. He is flanked by second place getter Jamie Whincup and third place getter Fabian Coulthard. Picture: Karl Phillipson Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.