Strong Turnout for Winton Super Sprints Rd 3 and Winton Fun Day

It was another successful weekend at Winton Motor Raceway on 22-23 August, with competitors and enthusiasts turning out in strong numbers for Round 3 of the Winton Super Sprints and the fourth Winton Fun Day of the season.

Saturday saw 64 entrants take to the track for the Winton Super Sprints, while Sunday's Winton Fun Day attracted a capacity field of 109 entrants along with 54 registered passengers.

The Winton Super Sprints operate much like a qualifying session, with competitors aiming to set the fastest lap time possible within their respective categories throughout multiple track sessions during the day. After a misty start to the morning, conditions quickly improved, providing ideal weather for both competitors and spectators.

The outright fastest lap of the day belonged to Justin Gaujenieks in his Toyota MR-S, setting an impressive 1:27.78. Richard Renato was second fastest aboard his Mazda MX-5 with a time of 1:30.78, while Alistair Robertson rounded out the top three in his BMW M2 CS with a 1:31.88 lap.

Gaujenieks' performance was particularly impressive, finishing more than three seconds clear of the field.

The Road Registered Up To 2 Litre category was won by Josh Nichols in his Toyota Celica with a best lap time of 1:41.39. Peter Jowett finished second in his Mitsubishi Mirage with a 1:43.31, while Thomas Plover rounded out the podium in another Toyota Celica with a 1:44.14.

Road Registered Over 2 Litre produced another close battle between two Mitsubishi Mirages. Jason Fields claimed the class victory with a 1:43.14, narrowly edging out Nick Peers who stopped the clock at 1:43.72. Clinton Gazelle took third place in his Holden Commodore with a 1:44.39.

High Performance Over 2 Litre saw Alistair Robertson lead the way in his BMW M2 CS with an impressive 1:31.88. Thanh Tran claimed second in his BMW M3 Touring with a 1:33.60, while Ashley McIlroy completed the top three in his Nissan GT-R R35 with a 1:36.03.

The Racing Cars Up To 2 Litre category was led by Dan Fewster in a Toyota 86, recording a fastest lap of 1:34.48. Steven Crosthwaite completed a Toyota 86 one-two finish with a 1:35.75, while Gary Dowling secured third place in his Honda Civic with a 1:37.46.

Racing Cars Over 2 Litre was dominated by outright winner Justin Gaujenieks, whose Toyota MR-S posted a blistering 1:27.78 lap. Richard Renato finished second aboard his Mazda MX-5 with a 1:30.78, while Justin Walsh completed the podium in his Nissan GT-R with a 1:33.74.

Thomas Foley claimed victory in the Open Wheel/Clubman category driving a Spectrum 07, setting a fastest lap of 1:36.64. Ian Tavare followed in second with a 1:38.79 aboard his Chev Legend, while Barry Baker secured third in his Elfin Formula Vee with a 1:40.95.

The Junior category once again showcased the future of motorsport, attracting six young competitors. Justin Walsh took the class win in his Ford Focus RS with a 1:40.31, holding off Rhys Lagos in a Jacer Formula Vee who recorded a 1:40.39. Erin Phillips completed the podium in a Toyota 86 with a 1:41.03, making it one of the closest contests of the day.

Place Winners for Super Sprints event. Photo credit: Craig McClanahan 

Sunday's Winton Fun Day delivered another action-packed day of recreational motorsport. Unlike the Sprint Series, no lap times are recorded, allowing participants to simply enjoy their time on track in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

The overwhelming popularity of the event saw entries reach maximum capacity several days before the event, forcing registrations to close early. A total of 109 drivers participated across six groups of approximately 20 vehicles, each enjoying five 15-minute track sessions throughout the day.

The Winton Fun Days remain a favourite among grassroots motorsport enthusiasts due to the opportunity for passengers to experience the action from inside the vehicle. Sunday's event attracted an additional 54 passengers, adding to the atmosphere and excitement throughout the day.

With strong fields, excellent weather and plenty of track action across both days, the August Winton Super Sprints and Fun Day once again highlighted the enthusiasm and passion of the Winton motorsport community.

Fun Day Line Up. Photo credit: Craig McClanahan