History on the racetrack

Historic Winton Race secretary Peta Lee said the event would celebrate a number of milestones including 110 years of the Morgan three-wheeler and Bugatti.

Terry Cornelius of Wahgunyah will be at the festival, giving spectators and car enthusiasts a look at his Holden race car.

After two prior owners, work on the vehicle stalled in 1960, before Mr Cornelius took possession of the rolling chassis in 1990.

A long-term historic vehicle and speedway racer, Mr Cornelius will display LapreCorn — named after former owners Don Lapham of Orange and Sydney’s Tony Skinner.

A number of Mini Minors, made famous in the film The Italian Job and by television show Mr Bean, will be on show during the weekend and take part in the Mini Dash on Saturday.

‘‘A Mini-only race seems the best way possible to celebrate 60 years of the car,’’ Ms Lee said.

Father and son racers Len and Adrian Read from Mornington Peninsula are expecting a competitive race.

‘‘We are always working on going faster and getting more out of the car, so it’s going to be really competitive,’’ Adrian said.

‘‘Victorian Minis will face stiff competition from the South Australian racers.

‘‘On the Winton Motor Raceway short track, there’s likely to be only three seconds between the field.’’

Len Read worked for a dealership when Minis were first released in 1959 and son Adrian started racing a Mini in Motorkhana and sprints when aged about 12.

Tickets are available at the gate and are free for Friday, $30 for Saturday, $40 for Sunday and $60 for the whole weekend. Entry is free for children aged 16 years and under.

The competition paddock has a $5 entry fee.

Camping at the track is $25/head per night; for inquiries, phone Winton Motor Raceway on 57607100.

■Discount tickets are available online until midnight on Thursday, May 16 at: www.historicwinton.org