Historic Winton Cancelled for 2020

MEDIA RELEASE 18/03/20

Historic Winton, Winton Motor Raceway, near Benalla, Victoria Australia.  Conducted by the Austin 7 Club Inc A0003290N with the assistance of the HMRAV.  An announcement from Event Secretary, Peta Lee and President of the Austin 7 Club, Len Kerwood.

Australia’s longest-running and dearly loved historic motorsport event, Historic Winton has been cancelled for 2020.   

“It is with heartfelt disappointment that the Austin 7 Club and it’s Historic Winton Subcommittee must cancel Historic Winton for 2020 due to COVID-19 Coronavirus control,” organiser, Len Kerwood, President of the Austin 7 Club said.

“The Austin 7 Club is taking this action, as all other major event organisers are doing, since we wish to do our bit the health and wellbeing of all of our stakeholders.”

COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation and our governments are cancelling major events into the foreseeable future with further measures possibly afoot.

“Already the preparations for Historic Winton have become difficult in some quarters,” Len said.

“This means that the 44th Historic Winton will now be held next year on 28th to 30th May, 2021 instead.

“Importantly, we thank the HMRAV, competitors, clubs, spectators, partners and sponsors, volunteers, Benalla Rural City Council, Winton Motor Raceway and all of our stakeholders for this usual extraordinary support to date.”

Here are some important actions for stakeholders to know:

1. Tickets – all who have purchased tickets for Historic Winton and camping online will receive a full refund including booking fees.

2. Drivers – will be refunded their fees. Where necessary, Event Secretary Peta Lee will be in touch to organise this over the next week or so.

3. Clubs – that were committed to celebrating anniversaries with displays will be invited to hold exhibit in 2021.

4. The Benalla Historic Vehicle Tour (29th May) – This event is also cancelled.

We understand that many will need to cancel or alter accommodation in Benalla and surrounds. May we suggest, that if possible, the booking be transferred to a later time this year to help boost the economy of Benalla which is taking a big hit. There are many great attractions in the area which are listed online at Enjoy Benalla. Another great service is Visit Benalla.

People can stay in touch through the Historic Winton Facebook and Instagram pages for historic motorsport and vehicle news and information.