No motorcycles for 2025 Historic Winton
Classic racing motorcycles and sidecars that have been a staple part of Historic Winton will not feature on the programme in 2025. Changes to safety standards, dictated by motorcycle insurers, have led to all motorcycle and sidecar events being dropped for the 48th edition of the all-historic race meeting at Winton Motor Raceway in regional Victoria.

Conducted jointly by the Austin 7 Club Inc. of Victoria and the Historic Motorcycle Racing Association of Victoria (HMRAV), Historic Winton was first held in 1977, with motorcycles from veteran (Period 1) through to Forgotten Era (Period 5) and sidecars on the programme from the beginning. And while motorcycles have always been the smaller part of this combined car and bike event, they have been popular with entrants and spectators alike.

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 will continue to work with all parties in the hope that an appropriate solution can be established for motorcycles in the future.

“We understand that this news will sadden motorcycle competitors and spectators, as it saddens us.
“We pay tribute to our friends at the HMRAV and express our gratitude for their contributions to Historic Winton over the decades,” Kessner added. “We wish the HMRAV the best in their other competitions.”
In the absence of motorcycle events at this year’s Historic Winton, plans are underway to incorporate additional car racing events into the programme.

The 48th Historic Winton will be held on 24-25 May, 2025. For more details, go to: www.historicwinton.org
Despite being absent from Historic Winton, the HMRAV will be conducting several events this year, including the Victorian Historic Road Racing Championships at Broadford in April. Go to: www.hmrav.org for further details.