Programme changes, display themes revealed for 2025 Historic Winton

Organisers of Historic Winton, the annual all-historic race meeting at Winton Motor Raceway in regional Victoria, have announced this year’s paddock display themes, along with a major change to the event programme. Classic motorcycle and sidecar racing that has been a staple of Historic Winton since the beginning will not feature in the 48th edition on 24-25 May.

The Austin 7 Club’s John Kessner explained that motorcycle insurers’ requests for upgraded safety standards and stringent track permit conditions at Winton Motor Raceway would require modifications to the existing facilities.
“These works could impact Historic Winton car races and the feasibility of other motorsport events at the venue and will require lengthy deliberation,” Kessner said. “We have, therefore, suspended motorcycle racing at our event. The Austin 7 Club Inc will continue to work with all parties in the hope that an appropriate solution can be established for motorcycles in the future.” 

With the motorcycle and sidecar events dropped, additional car races will be added to the weekend schedule, with details to be revealed closer to the event.

Themes for the car park and paddock display at this year’s Historic Winton have been revealed, encompassing a variety of marque and model anniversaries. Along with the 75th Anniversary of the Austin 7 Club, key anniversaries in 2025 are 100 years of Ford Australia and Chrysler, with examples from the full history of each marque welcome.

This year also marks the 80th Anniversary of Bristol and the MG TC, 75 years of the VW Kombi and multiple 70-year anniversaries - Chevy Nomad, Citroen DS19, Triumph TR3, MGA, Peugeot 403, Ford Thunderbird, VW Karmann Ghia and others.

The XP Falcon and HD Holden turn 60 this year, while Holden’s Gemini and Sandman, the Triumph TR7 and Jaguar XJS are marking 50-year anniversaries. The full list is on the Historic Winton website.

Owners of all listed anniversary vehicles are invited to display at Winton for the 24-25 May event. A selection will be invited to take part in the lunchtime circuit parade on Sunday, 25 May.

For more details on the 48th Historic Winton, go to: www.historicwinton.org