2016 winton 300 program web by Wakefield Park

100 LAPS. 300 KILOMETRES. 1 WINNER OF THE GRAND PRIZE.

Get set for the ultimate club-level endurance race coming to the nation’s action track this Spring!

12-13 November 2016

•Tickets at the gate $20 per day •$35 for a two-day pass •Camping available

www.wintonraceway.com.au

The Benalla Auto Club Proudly Invites you to our 2nd Annual

Black Tie Ball

When : Saturday December 17th 2016 Action Starts : Arrive at 6:30pm for a 7:00pm Green Flag Where : Winton Motor Raceway, Corporate Centre Dress Code : Formal Attire How Much : $65 BAC Member, $85 Non-members Drinks at Club prices What you get : Dinner, Live band and a great night out

RSVP by Wednesday December 7th 2016 on (03 5760 7100) No tickets available after this date so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out !!!

November 12-13 2016

CONTENTS

| Schedule of events................................................... 4 | Valvoline Winton 300 entry list............................. 5 | Valvoline Winton 300 - ingredients for success.. 7 | Event preview........................................................... 8 | Valvoline Winton 300 drivers and teams............. 10 | Alfa Romeo.............................................................. 24 | Super TT................................................................... 25 | Lap records............................................................... 26 | Circuit map.............................................................. 27 Welcome along to Winton Motor Raceway for the Valvoline Winton 300 endurance race.

Wayne Williams Operations Manager

Once again, we have received numerous entries for the event, along with valuable support from our naming-rights sponsor Valvoline.

This weekend’s action will all be live streamed thanks to Toast AV, and I encourage all of you to share the live stream link far and wide via social media - let’s get as many people tuning in as we can! I’d also especially like to thank the members of the Winton 300 working group, who have made important contributions and suggestions which have enabled us to make some small improvements to the regulations for 2016. This weekend’s action is supported by the Alfa Romeo Series and also the Super TT/Production TT category, which will stage a mini endurance race on Sunday morning.

2015 VALVOLINE WINTON 300 The official program of the 2015 Valvoline Winton 300 PROMOTER Winton Motor Racewy Pty Ltd 41 Fox Street Winton VIC 3673 Phone (03) 5760 7100 Fax (03) 5766 4249 race@wintonraceway.com.au www.wintonraceway.com.au ORGANISING COMMITTE Wayne Williams, Sarah Ackerly CLERK OF COURSE Daryl McHugh DEPUTY CLERK OF COURSE Jessica Nicholson AASA STEWARD To be advised CHIEF TIMEKEEPER Melissa Hatton MEETING DIRECTOR Wayne Williams EVENT SECRETARY Sarah Ackerly COMMENTATORS Dave Stillwell, Lachlan Mansell THANKS TO ALL THE OTHER OFFICIALS WHO HAVE VOLUNTEERED THEIR TIME FOR THIS EVENT PROGRAM EDITOR Lachlan Mansell PHOTOGRAPHS Judi McDonald, Rene Martens, John Smith

I hope you have an enjoyable weekend at the track and look forward to seeing you again soon. Cheers, Wayne

Valvoline Winton 300

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Saturday 12th November 2015

NO ENGINES TO BE STARTED BEFORE 8:30AM 7:45 9:00 9:15

Winton 300 scrutineering (garages) Super TT/Production TT scrutineering (scrutineering bay) Alfa Romeo scutineering (scrutineering bay)

Event Time Category Description Duration 8:45 Drivers Briefing - all drivers P1 9:30 Valvoline Winton 300 Group A Practice 1 20 min P2 9:55 Valvoline Winton 300 Group B Practice 1 20 min P3 10:30 Alfa Romeo Practice 15 min P4 10:50 Super TT/Production TT Practice 15 min P5 11:10 Valvoline Winton 300 Group A Practice 2 20 min P6 11:35 Valvoline Winton 300 Group B Practice 2 20 min Q1 12:00 Alfa Romeo Qualifying 15 min Q2 12:20 Super TT/Production TT Qualifying 15 min 12:35 Lunch 45 min 12:35 Valvoline Winton 300 - Drivers Briefing Q3a 13:30 Valvoline Winton 300 Qualifying Bottom 50% 30 min Q3b 14:05 Valvoline Winton 300 Qualifying Top 50% 30 min R1 14:40 Alfa Romeo Race 1 8 laps R2 15:00 Super TT/Production TT Race 1 8 laps S1 15:20 Valvoline Winton 300 Top 10 Shootout 1 lap R3 15:50 Alfa Romeo Race 2 7 laps R4 16:10 Super TT/Production TT Race 2 7 laps 18:00 LIVE TV SHOW - PIT LANE

Sunday 13th November 2015

7:45 8:30 8:45

Winton 300 scrutineering (garages) Super TT/Production TT scrutineering (scrutineering bay) Alfa Romeo scutineering (scrutineering bay)

Event Time Category Description Duration Q4 9:15 Super TT/Production TT Co-driver Qualifying 15 min R5 9:35 Alfa Romeo Race 3 8 laps R6 10:00 Super TT/Production TT Race 3 8 laps W1 10:20 Valvoline Winton 300 Warm-up 15 min R7 10:40 Alfa Romeo Race 4 8 laps R8 11:00 Super TT/Production TT Mini-enduro 25 laps 12:00 Lunch 30 min 12:30 National Anthem R9 12:35 Valvoline Winton 300 Enduro 100 laps Valvoline Winton 300 Podium Presentation

November 12-13 2016

Valvoline Winton 300 Entry List - Cars 1-73 No Sponsors

Driver A

Driver B

Deputy.com/Steve Shelley

Steve Shelley

Strola Racing/ CMS Eddie Silvio Plant Hire/Phoenix Entertainment/ CVEm Security Group/ All Tyers and Mechanical

Driver C

Car

Colour

Jake Shelley

Lotus HPE

Black/ White

Craig Barron

Ford Falcon GT

Yellow

Nick Cancian

Robert Hay

Mazda MX5

Black

MRA/Menai Mufflers

Terry Denovan

Geoff Stockley

Holden Com- Yellow modore VH

MX5 Mania

David Raddatz

Zac Raddatz

Mazda 3 SP23 Gray

Canberra Hydraulics

Nathan Jess

Ryan Reynolds

Future Racer

Blue/ White/ Green

Tasker Joinery

Greg Tasker

Steve Head

Mazda MX5

Blue

Devil Racer Pty. Ltd.

Andrew Clarke

Matthew MacKelden

Hyundai Excel

Red/Black

Gold Coast Embroidery/ OZETEES

Peter Lacey

Sean Lacey

Mazda MX5

Orange

Money Pit Racing/Rice Damian Motorsports Sullivan

Michael Rice

Holden VN Commodore

Blue/Red

Challenge Motorsport

Iain McDougall

Barney Hogan

Mini Cooper S JCW

Red

Katilyn Hawkins

Richard Luff

Suzuki Swift

White

23 27

Kirrawee Mufflers/ Infinity Constructions

Shaun Vanzyl

TBA

Mitsubishi Mirage

Black

Henry Draper

Linda Devlin

Henry Draper

Mini Cooper JCW

Red/White

Carrera Auto Repairs/ Primal Wheels

Gavin Stubbs

Nathan Bell

Hyundai Excel

White

Hare Engineering

Michael Hopp

Peter Surtwell

Toyota Starlet White EP91R

Deckspeed Racing

Daniel Deckers

Luke Otten

Mazda MX5

Black

Andrew Butcher/Epilepsy Foundation

Andrew Butcher Lachlan McBrien

BMW M3

Blue

Byrne Trailers

Carl Gibbs

Paul Collins

Mitsubishi Starion

Silver

Team Hipster

Glenn Potter

John Angiolella

BMW E30

Orange

Declan Kirkham Racing/Inertia Apparel

Declan Kirkham Phil Kirkham

Mazda MX6

Orange

Property Investment Store

Glenn Townsend

Lotus Exige

White

Anthony Soole

Valvoline Winton 300

Valvoline Winton 300 Entry List - Cars 66-999 No

Sponsors

Driver A

Driver B

Carbo Tech Brakes

Michael Hall Jack Winter

Driver C

Car

Colour

Jason Miller

Mazda MX5

White

Phil Alexander

Nissan Pulsar White

Daniel Reynolds

Daniel Reynolds Matt Stubbs

BMW M3

Silver

Rod's Pools

David Krusza

Rodney Stait

BMW 328i

Blue

Interlock Shop/ OZETEES

Tony Bonanno

Robin Lacey

Alfa Romeo Mito

CMS Performance

Kevin Coulson

John Richardson

Subaru WRX White

Pinnacles Automotive/Hawkesury Cycles

Daniel Kapetanovic

Daniel Sugden

BMW E36 328i

Black

Value Automotive Group

Wayne Williams John McIlroy

Ford Falcon GT

White/Blue

110

Targa Racing

Mick Wedge

Peter Batterham

Mazda MX5 NC

Black

111

Targa Racing

Paul Shacklady

Steve Brown

BMW Z3M

Blue

141

Elliot Wright/One Way Racing

Mark Morsillo

Elliot Wright

Triumph TR 7 V8

White

144

Penrite Oil

Parry Anastakis Roland Rohrle

Peogoet 205 Gti

Red/Black

156

Brindabella home Improvements

Trevan Spiteri

John Spireri

Mitsubishi EVO

White

177

Kool Jet

Todd Herring

Verne Johnson

Mazda MX5

Green

178

BPG Motorsport

Adam Burgess

Craig Burgess

Ginetta G50

White

255

Hume Smash Repairs

Russell Maxwell Lou Iezzi

Mazda MX5

Red

333

Trevor McGuinness Automobiles/ Answers 2 Traning Academy

Matthew Atherton

Mazda MX5

Silver

551

Jim Sharples Racing Daniel Flanagan Damian Lomax Fifth Gear/ Goodyear Phillip

Nissan 180 SX

Black

Motorsport Training Australia

Matt Chahda

Ford FPV BA Red/White Ute

Williams

Daniel Williams Kirt Metcalf

Toyota Camry

Red

Ross Donaldson/ Quickfit Motorsport, Hornsby

Ross Donaldson Glen Coutinho

Hyundai Excel

Blue

Triumphant Racing

Ryan Glinn

Scott McGuinness

Jordan Boys

Joshua Glinn

Howard Glinn

Triumph TR8 Dark Blue

November 12-13 2016

Winton 300 - Ingredients for Success Want to win the Winton 300? Based on the key statistics from the last five years of the race, here are the boxes you need to tick if you want to be spraying the champagne on Sunday afternoon. 1. Drive a four-cylinder car. Every Winton 300 since 2011 has been won by a car with four cylinders under the bonnet, and even more interestingly, four of these five cars had naturally-aspirated engines. The only turbocharged car to win the race has been the Mazda MX5 of Nick Cancian/Rob Hay in 2013. 2. Don’t qualify on pole, but qualify on the second row of the grid. It’s a well-known fact that the Winton 300 has never been won from pole position, but four of the five Winton 300 victors have come from either third or fourth on the grid – the exception was the Chad Cotton/Jeff Davy car, which started eighth in the 2012 race. 3. If you’re in Division A, pray for well-timed Safety Cars; if you’re in Division B, pray for no Safety Cars. The 2011 and 2012 races ran green from start to finish and were won by Division 2 (renamed Division B for 2016) cars. Conversely, the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Winton 300s featured five, six and four Safety Cars respectively, and were won by Division 1 cars, largely because the interventions fell at a favourable time for the Division 1 cars to complete their additional five-minute compulsory pit stop. 4. Lead at the end of lap 100. There’s only one lap you need to lead to win the Winton 300, as was graphically demonstrated by Nathan Jess and Matthew Thomson in the dramatic finish to the 2014 race. The nature of the event is such that the lead generally changes frequently throughout the race as different pit strategies play out, and in two of the last three Winton 300s, a late-race Safety Car has compressed the field and produced a final dash to the flag. Once that happens, anyone on the lead lap has a chance of winning if they have a fast enough car.

Nick Cancian and Rob Hay are the only drivers to win the Winton 300 in a turbocharged car.

Valvoline Winton 300

Valvoline Winton 300 Preview

In 2016, the big story surrounding the nation’s spectator track, Winton Raceway, has been the dramatic improvement in lap times on the new surface which was laid down in January. Over the last 10 months, lap records have been broken in no less than 17 different categories, including the Australian Formula 3 Championship car of Chris Anthony which set the fastest-ever time around the three kilometre circuit. Some classes recording times up to two seconds faster than those recorded on the old surface, clearly benefiting from the increased grip. All the indications are that this year’s edition of the marquee endurance race on the calendar, the Valvoline Winton 300, will be as fast as ever. But with the event’s unique division system, which allocates cars into classes based on their laptimes, there is plenty of speculation about how things will play out on race day. Following some robust discussions among those in the Winton 300 working group, division times have been tweaked for this year’s race, with a 1:30.0 now the outright cutoff time for the event. All the cars in Division A will again

have to complete two compulsory pit stops while the cars in Divisions B, C, D, E and F are only required to make a single compulsory stop. This system has worked wonders in the last few Winton 300s, producing climatic finishes where the cars in the fastest division have been fighting their way to the front of the field in the very dying stages, including the particularly memorable 2014 race which was decided on the very final lap. As always, there is a massive diversity of cars competing in this year’s race, spanning a wide array of makes and models. Picking a winner is never an easy task and the resurfacing, along with changes to the division brackets, has made this year’s event especially hard to predict. Nevertheless, there are a number of regular contenders that always seem to rise to the occasion. The defending winners of the Winton 300, Steve and Jake Shelley, have been regular frontrunners in all the 300km races for a number of

November 12-13 2016

Educated Estimates The main talking point heading into the 2016 edition of the Valvoline Winton 300 is the new track surface, and the effect it will have on lap times and divisions years now; in addition to his victory at Winton, Jake is also a three-time winner of the sister event, the Wakefield 300, making him the most successful driver in the history of the events. At this year’s Wakefield 300 though, the Shelleys had their feathers severely ruffled by another father-and-son team, the Craig/Adam Burgess combination aboard their Ginetta G50. The Burgesses and Shelleys went wheel-towheel for the first half of the race, setting such an intense pace they lapped almost the entire field. The relentless dice for position was thrilling to watch but it also highlighted one of the critical factors of the 300km enduros: traffic management.

be joined by talented Formula Vee racer Ryan Reynolds aboard his Canberra Hydraulics Future Racer. 2013 winners Nick Cancian and Rob Hay have reunited in their turbocharged Mazda MX5, which is expected to be a competitive package, while also in a competitive Future Racer is 2012 winner Chad Cotton, who will again be joined by Jase Collins. Aiming for redemption this weekend will be the Lotus Elise of Glenn Townsend/Anthony Soole and BMW of Andrew Butcher/Lachlan McBrien after both cars were eliminated in a spectacular crash on the opening lap of last year’s race.

There are several dark horses which could spring an upset result as well including former Formula Vee Australian Champions Daniel Reynolds/ Matt Stubbs (BMW M3), Daniel Kapetanovic/ Daniel Sugden (BMW 328i) and Daniel Deckers/ Luke Otten (Mazda MX5), along with the Apart from the Shelleys and Burgesses, this year’s most-capped driver in the Winton 300, Daniel field is bursting at the seams with quality drivers Flanagan who will be joined by Damian Lomax in a Nissan 180SX. including 2014 winner Nathan Jess, who will While working their way through slower cars, the Shelleys made slight contact with a backmarker which ultimately resulted in broken suspension, ending their day.

Valvoline Winton 300

Deputy.com Lotus HPE

Steve Shelley Starts: Best Finish:

5 1st 2015 with Jake Shelley

Jake Shelley Starts: Best Finish:

5 1st 2015 with Steve Shelley

The defending Winton 300 winners deservedly enter this year’s event among the favourites, but will face tough opposition from other fast Division A runners as well as Division B competitors who can make one less pit-stop. They have an enviable record in the 300s although this year’s Wakefield 300 exposed a chink in their armour - the fragility of the Lotus in car-to-car contact situations.

Strola Racing/CMS Plant Hire Ford FPV GT

Eddie Silvio Starts: Best Finish:

1 DNF

Craig Barron Starts: Best Finish:

1 DNF

Former Time Attack and Supersprint competitor Eddie Silvio returns for his second crack at the Winton 300 along with Craig Barron; the pair were competitive in their division last year speed-wise, but the FPV GT ultimately retired with mechanical problems. Based on speed, this car should be a contender for honours in Division D or E.

Cancian Engineering Mazda MX5

Rob Hay Starts: Best Finish:

4 1st 2013 with Nick Cancian

Nick Cancian Starts: Best Finish:

5 1st 2013 with Rob Hay

The 2013 Winton 300 winners reunite after Rob Hay missed last year’s event through injury. The MX5 has proven to be one of the fastest cars of its type in the country, and Nick Cancian is one of the standout talents at this level of motorsport. The car will likely be in Division A but the extra pit stop didn’t stop them winning the race in 2013; the only question mark is likely to be reliability.

November 12-13 2016

MRA/Menai Mufflers Holden VH Commodore

Terry Denovan Starts: Best Finish:

2 9th 2015 with Geoff Stockley

Geoff Stockley Starts: Best Finish:

2 9th 2015 with Terry Denovan

After several 300 campaigns fraught with mechanical problems, the son (Terry Denovan) and father-in-law (Geoff Stockley) combination finally ironed out the glitches in 2015 and were rewarded with their a top 10 finish in last year’s race. The duo have reunited for 2016 and a similar result is achievable provided the car goes the distance.

MX5 Mania Mazda 3 SP23

David Raddatz Starts: Best Finish:

4 1st 2011 with Shane Otten

Zac Raddatz Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

After the heartbreaking finish to the 2014 race, where David Raddatz was denied of a certain victory within just a couple of laps of the chequered flag, he returns to partner his son, talented go-karter Zac, who becomes the youngest-ever Winton 300 starter at just 14. Unlike the team’s MX5 turbo, this car won’t be a contender for outright victory but it will most certainly be a chance for division honours.

Canberra Hydraulics Future Racer

Nathan Jess Starts: Best Finish:

5 1st 2014 with Matthew Thomson

Ryan Reynolds Starts: Best Finish:

1 DNF

Nathan Jess is back for what will be the swansong for the Future Racer in the Winton 300, with AASA regulations set to preclude the miniature race cars competing alongside full-sized vehicles in 2017. Nothing would please Jess more than to go out on a high and for this year, he has recruited talented Formula Vee racer Ryan Reynolds to be his co-pilot; together, they are a formidable combination.

Valvoline Winton 300

Tasker Joinery Mazda MX5

Greg Tasker Starts: Best Finish:

4 10th 2012 with Sam Silvestro

Steven Head Starts: Best Finish:

4 9th 2011 with Michael Hall

Two regular competitors in the Winton 300, in Mazda MX5s, drive together for the first time in this year’s event. The Deckspeed-built MX5 is a solid endurance package and both drivers have recorded outright top 10 finishes in the race before, so a good result is achievable even if they don’t have the outright pace of other cars.

Devil Racer Hyundai Excel

Andrew Clarke Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Matt MacKelden Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Wagga Wagga entrepreneur Andrew Clarke only started racing fairly recently, competing in the NSW Excel Series, and has decided to have his first crack at the 300. He has recruited a very good choice of co-driver, signing two-time Bathurst 12 Hour class winner Matt MacKelden and while the car will be in the slowest division, the Hyundai Excel has proven to be a bulletproof endurance package.

Gold Coast Embroidery/OZETEES Mazda MX5

Peter Lacey Starts: Best Finish:

4 7th 2012 with Robin Lacey

Sean Lacey Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Peter Lacey won’t drive with his wife Robin in the Winton 300 this year, instead partnering with his son Sean Lacey. Driving one of many Mazda MX5s in the field, they will be hoping for a solid run and a decent result in their division, in a car which has finished in the top 10 outright in the past.

November 12-13 2016

Money Pit Racing Holden VN Commodore

Damian Sullivan Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Michael Rice Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Two competitors from Wintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing Production TT category team up for their first crack at the 300 in a car which last raced the event in the hands of Ian Aplin and Ivan Bunney in 2014. The car will most likely slot into Division E or F and these first-timers will be hoping for a trouble-free run to the finish.

Challenge Motorsport Mini Cooper S

Iain McDougall Starts: Best Finish:

1 DNF

Barney Hogan Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

After an impressive debut at the Wakefield 300 in 2014, Iain McDougall has been a frequent competitor in the 300s but hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had a lot of luck, being let down by mechanical problems. However, the Mini has been much more reliable in 2016 and McDougall will be hoping for a good finish. He will be joined by Super TT racer Barney Hogan who makes his first start in the event.

Hawkins Motorsport Suzuki Swift

Katilyn Hawkins Starts: Best Finish:

1 13th 2015 B-Main with Wayne Williams and Ross Wood

Richard Luff Starts: Best Finish:

1 6th 2014 B-Main with Martin Bailey

Wodonga female racer Katilyn Hawkins lines up for her second Winton 300 start aboard her ex-Swift Series race car. She will be joined by Richard Luff, whose previous start came aboard the Peter Conroy Motorsport Honda Integra at the 2014 event. The Swift will be a reliable endurance package and one of the contenders in Division E or F.

Valvoline Winton 300

Kirrawee Mufflers Mitsubishi Mirage

Shaun Vanzyl Starts: Best Finish:

2 16th 2015 B-main with Greg Tasker

TBA

Starts: Best Finish:

Shaun Vanzyl’s Mitsubishi Mirage may look like a slightly hotted-up road car bot don’t be fooled; it’s actually a potent weapon equipped with Mitsubishi Evo running gear. Vanzyl has contested a few Winton 300s with Greg Tasker in a Mazda MX5 but also raced this car in the 2014 event, leading the B-Main until the Mirage conked out with overheating issues.

Henry Draper Mini Cooper S

Henry Draper Starts: Best Finish:

4 7th 2013 with Linda Devlin

Linda Devlin Starts: Best Finish:

5 7th 2013 with Henry Draper

Linda Devlin lines up for her sixth start in the Winton 300 this year, joined by experienced racer and former Bathurst 12 Hour class winner Henry Draper. The Mini has had patchy reliability but when it runs as it should, it has proven to be a competitive package and should be a contender for honours in Division C this weekend.

Carrera Auto Repairs/Primal Wheels Hyundai Excel

Gavin Stubbs Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Nathan Bell Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

The brother of Formula Vee Champion Matt Stubbs, Gavin Stubbs makes his racing debut in a Hyundai Excel he will share with Nathan Bell. The car has been a strong contender in the Victorian Excel Racing Series and should be involved in some good battles with the other Excel entries over the race’s 300km duration.

November 12-13 2016

Hare Engineering Toyota Starlett

Michael Hopp Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Peter Sortwell Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Victorian Improved Production racer Michael Hopp heads to Winton for his first attempt at the 300, in a Toyota Starlet which has consistently punched above its weight in the IPRA races. The technical Winton layout should suit this car and it will be interesting to see it nipping at the heels of the more powerful machinery over the 300km race duration.

Deckspeed Racing Mazda MX5

Daniel Deckers Starts: Best Finish:

3 9th 2013 with Luke Otten

Luke Otten Starts: Best Finish:

4 8th 2011 with Berry Campbell

The Deckers/Otten entry was out of luck in last year’s Winton 300, on target for a podium finish at half race distance before a brake failure ended their day prematurely. This year they are ready to fight back and this car should be one of the fastest Division B runners, hence they will be a genuine shot at an outright podium or even a win if the strategy is right.

Epilepsy Foundation BMW M3

Andrew Butcher Starts: Best Finish:

2 21st 2014 with Anthony D’Anna

Lachlan McBrien Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Andrew Butcher will be hoping to erase bad memories from last year’s event, when he didn’t even get a drive after his co-driver Anthony D’Anna was taken out on the race’s opening lap in an unfortunate collision with the Glenn Townsend/Anthony Soole Lotus. Up to that point the car had looked like a contender as well, recording some of the quickest times of the Division 2 runners.

Valvoline Winton 300

Byrne Trailers Mitsubishi Starion

Carl Gibbs Starts: Best Finish:

1 DNF

Paul Collins Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

One of the most historically significant vehicles in the Winton 300, the Carl Gibbs-owned Mitsubishi Starion won the 1986 Winton 300 in the hands of Des Gibbs and Dennis Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, back when the event was a round of the Australian Production Car Championship. It also raced in the Winton 300 in 2013, on that occasion chalking up a DNF, but has been completely restored since then.

Team Hipster BMW E30 325i

Glenn Potter Starts: Best Finish:

3 12th 2012 with Simon Mitchell

John Angiolella Starts: Best Finish:

2 11th 2011 with Simon Lyne

BMW Drivers Cup regular Glenn Potter returns for another attempt at the Winton 300 with John Angiolella. This year they are the sole BMW E30 in the event but these cars have a stout record in the 300s - a BMW E30 has finished in the top 11 every year since 2011 because they are a robust and reliable package.

Inertia Apparel Mazda MX6

Declan Kirkham Starts: Best Finish:

2 18th 2012 with Phil Kirkham

Phil Kirkham Starts: Best Finish:

1 18th 2012 with Declan Kirkham

After a few months away from competition to focus on development, DKR are set to return to the track in theWinton 300. Declan and Phil Kirkham will be campaigning in the reworked Mazda MX6 which took them to 3rd in class at the Phillip Island 4 Hour earlier this year.

November 12-13 2016

Property Investment Store Lotus Exige

Glenn Townsend Starts: Best Finish:

3 DNF

Anthony Soole Starts: Best Finish:

3 DNF

The Winton 300 record for Townsend and Soole doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make for great reading, and their run came to an especially premature end last year when they spectacularly crashed out of the race on the opening lap, after qualifying on pole position. But the ingredients are there - the car is fast and the drivers are evenly matched, so 2016 could be fourth time lucky for this team.

Carbotech Brakes Mazda MX5

Michael Hall Starts: Best Finish:

5 4th 2014 with Andy Harris

Jason Miller Starts: Best Finish:

1 1st 2015 B-Main with Paul Crocitti

Michael Hall has become one of the veterans of the 300s and always puts in a good showing, narrowly missing the outright podium on several occasions. This year, he has opted for up-and-coming star Jason Miller, who was victorious in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s B-Main driving a Porsche 944 with Paul Crocitti. Together, they make a solid pairing.

Jack Winter Nissan Pulsar

Jack Winter Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Phil Alexander Starts: Best Finish:

1 DNF

17-year-old Jack Winter lines up for his Winton 300 debut in a Nissan Pulsar, after an impressive podium finish in the last Victorian Pulsar round in September. He will be joined by the experienced Phil Alexander, who will play a valuable mentoring role as well as being a fast and consistent co-driver. Look for these two to contend for division honours.

Valvoline Winton 300

Daniel Reynolds BMW M3

Daniel Reynolds Starts: Best Finish:

3 7th 2014 with Matt Stubbs

Matt Stubbs Starts: Best Finish:

2 7th 2014 with Daniel Reynolds

After campaigning a Mazda MX5 in the Winton 300 since 2013, national Formula Vee Champions Daniel Reynolds and Matt Stubbs have upgraded to a BMW M3 for 2016. The car is fast enough to run at the front of Division B and both drivers have the talent, so this car can be considered among the list of outright contenders.

Rod’s Pools/Pinnacle Automotive BMW 328i

David Krusza Starts: Best Finish:

2 3rd 2012 with Daniel Kapetanovic

Rodney Stait Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

David Krusza continues to strengthen his reputation as one of Australia’s most under-rated drivers every time he hits the track; the former Australian karting champion is always among the contenders in the 300s and this year will join the experienced Rodney Stait in a BMW 328i which should be a contender for honours in its division.

CMS Performance Subaru Impreza WRX

Kevin Coulson Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

John Richardson Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

A couple of newcomers have entered a Subaru WRX in this year’s Winton 300; with no prior experience in the event, it’s hard to predict exactly where this combination sits in the pecking order, but they will be aiming for a solid finish first time out.

November 12-13 2016

Pinnacle Automotive/ Hawkesbury Cycles BMW 328i

Daniel Kapetanovic Starts: Best Finish:

4 3rd 2012 with David Krusza

Daniel Sugden Starts: Best Finish:

2 5th 2013 with Daniel Kapetanovic

Daniel Kapetanovic has been one of the most consistent drivers in the Winton 300 over the last four years, recording three top six finishes including a podium. Experienced production car racer Daniel Sugden was in the co-driver’s seat for two of those races and this team should again be in contention for a top-five finish.

Value Automotive Group Ford Falcon GT

Wayne Williams Starts: Best Finish:

1 13th 2015 B-Main with Katilyn Hawkins and Ross Wood

John McIlroy Starts: Best Finish:

1 5th 2014 B-Main with Matt Thewlis

Production car racing veteran and Benalla car dealer John McIlroy returns to the Winton 300 in a Falcon GT production car, joined by Winton operations manager Wayne Williams who lines up for his second start in the event. The main objective for these two drivers will be to have fun and contend for a division podium.

110

Targa Racing Mazda MX5

Michael Wedge

Starts: 1 Best Finish: 9th 2015 B-Main with Peter Batterham

Peter Batterham Starts: Best Finish: Wedge

1 9th 2015 B-Main with Michael

Two Queenslanders make the trip south to drive one of Chris Gough’s Targa Racing Mazda MX5s, after racing their own Commodore in the event last year. The Targa Racing vehicles are typically meticulously prepared, so provided Wedge and Batterham adapt to the different driving style, there’s no reason they can’t compete for a division podium.

Valvoline Winton 300

111

Targa Racing BMW Z3M

Paul Shacklady Starts: Best Finish:

3 26th 2013 with Anthony Carter

Steve Brown Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Clubman racer and tarmac rally competitor Paul Shacklady is back with the Targa Racing team for his fourth Winton 300, and will be joined by debutant Steve Brown. They will drive the car that took outright victory in the Lakeside 300, in the hands of Nick Leontsinis and Adam Dodd.

141

One Way Racing Triumph TR7 V8

Mark Morsillo Starts: Best Finish:

2 20th 2012 with Elliot Wright

Elliot Wright Starts: Best Finish:

2 20th 2012 with Mark Morsillo

Triumph racers Mark Morsillo and Elliot Wright make their third Winton 300 start in 2016. The Triumph TR7 may not have had the best reputation for reliability as a road car, but these crew have managed to finish most of the 300s they have started, even scoring a division win at the Wakefield 300 in 2012. A top 20 outright finish is a realistic goal.

144

Penrite Peugeot 205 GTI

Parry Anastakis Starts: Best Finish:

1 2nd 2015 B-Main with John Taylor

Roland Rohrle Starts: Best Finish:

1 DNF

Parry Anastakis finally lined up for his maiden Winton 300 start last year after many years racing in the Wakefield 300, and was on the pace immediately, finishing second in the B-Main. The event is back to a single-race format this year but Anastakis and co-driver Roland Rohrle should still be contenders for honours within their division, aboard a 205 GTI which always punches well above its weight.

November 12-13 2016

156

Brindabella Home Improvements Mitsubishi Evo

Trevan Spiteri Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

John Spiteri Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

The Spiteri father-and-son combination made their endurance debut in the Wakefield 300 earlier in the year after stepping up from Time Attack competition. They qualified in the top 10 on debut and while the race didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go to plan, the experience they gained would have been invaluable and will stand them in good stead for Winton, where they have a realistic chance of a top five finish.

177

Kool Jet Mazda MX5

Todd Herring Starts: Best Finish:

1 DNS

Verne Johnson Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Todd Herring owns one of the fastest Mazda MX5s in the country but reliability has been the main weakness so far; in a number of Wakefield 300 starts, he has been on the pace but robbed of good finishes by mechanical woes. However, some recent developments and encouraging pre-event testing have him confident of a good result, and Verne Johnson has been a star in NSW MX5 Cup this season.

178

BPG Motorsport Ginetta G50

Craig Burgess Starts: Best Finish:

3 2nd 2015 with Adam Burgess

Adam Burgess Starts: Best Finish:

4 2nd 2015 with Craig Burgess

The Burgesses have been one of the form teams in recent 300s, finishing second in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Winton event before winning at Wakefield earlier in the year. After many years battling with Nissan Skylines and Mazda RX7s that were fast but fragile, the Burgess team now has a Ginetta that is reliable as well as fast. Along with the Shelleys, they head into this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s race as hot favourites.

Valvoline Winton 300

255

Hume Smash Repairs Mazda MX5

Russell Maxwell Starts: Best Finish:

Lou Iezzi Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

2 10th 2014 B-Main with Steven Head

Lou Iezzi is a veteran of MX5 racing and has run in a few 300s at both Winton and Wakefield Park - this year, he will be joined by Russell Maxwell who is set for his first start in the event. Aboard one of the many MX5s in the field, they should be solid within their division.

333

Trevor McGuinness Automobiles Toyota Celica

Matthew Atherton

Starts: 1 Best Finish: 7th 2015 B-Main with Scott McGuinness

Scott McGuinness

Starts: 1 Best Finish: 7th 2015 B-Main with Matthew Atherton

The Toyota Celica pilots made an impressive debut in the Winton 300 last year, winning their division and finishing seventh outright after great battles with some other cars. In the Toyota Celica they have a reliable endurance package so watch for them to contend for another division win this year.

461

Triumphant Racing Triumph TR7

Howard Glinn Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Ryan Glinn Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Josh Glinn Starts: Best Finish:

2 DNF

One of the regular competitors in the MRA All British race meeting, Howard Glinn and his two sons made the step up to endurance racing earlier in the year at the Wakefield 300. Being the only three-driver combination in the field, this team will have to make two pit stops and the emphasis will be on ensuring all drivers receive a decent allocation of seat time.

November 12-13 2016

551

Jim Sharples Racing/Fifth Gear Nissan 180SX

Daniel Flanagan Starts: Best Finish:

5 7th 2015 with Damian Lomax

Damian Lomax Starts: Best Finish:

2 7th 2015 with Daniel Flanagan

The most-capped driver in the Winton and Wakefield 300s, Daniel Flanagan recorded his best result last year finishing fifth with Damian Lomax. This year, the team have chased engine reliabilty but have also made a number of handling improvements and should be a strong contender in Division B.

TBA

Motorsports Training Australia Ford Falcon Ute

Matt Chahda Starts: Best Finish:

1 DNF

Jordan Boys Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Dunlop V8 Supercar driver Matt Chahda teams up with fellow young gun Jordan Boys, a round winner in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Australian Formula Ford Championship, in the Motorsports Training Australia Ford V8 Ute. As well as giving a couple of young drivers a go, the program also trains motorsport mechanics of the future on how to do pit stops in a real-world endurance situation.

TBA

Williams Racing Toyota Camry

Daniel Williams Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Kurt Metcalf Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a car with an interesting background; a Toyota Camry that was recently resurrected after last racing in the Showroom Showdown at Bathurst way back in 2001! Daniel Williams shook the car down in a Production Touring round earlier in the year and will be joined by Kurt Metcalf. Being a Camry, there should be no question over reliability.

Valvoline Winton 300

TBA

Quickfit Motorsport Hyundai Excel

Ross Donaldson Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Glen Coutinho Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Another Hyundai Excel joins the Winton 300 field in the hands of Series X3 NSW regular Ross Donaldson, and Triumph racer Glen Coutinho. The car should be competitive against the other Excels in the field, which are likely to be contending for victory in Division F.

Alfa Romeos No