The 11th running of the annual Performance Car Mania motoring enthusiast festival will take place at Winton Motor Raceway on 16-18 September, and organisers are thrilled with the quality of entries received.
Performance Car Mania is an opportunity for owners of modified cars to test their capabilities under controlled conditions, and Winton operations manager Wayne Williams said some tweaks have been made after reviewing previous events.
“We’ve made a few changes this year, aimed at improving the experience for both competitors and spectators, and making it a weekend the whole family can enjoy,” Mr Williams said.
“We wanted to make sure we continued to attract the highest quality of vehicles, and give them a weekend to remember.”
The cruise sessions will return to the program, and will now feature designated “powerskid zones” for drivers to break traction. As well as increasing safety, this will also enhance the show for spectators who will now know exactly where the main action is happening.
The burnout competition has been revamped; the burnout pad will only be open during dedicated burnout sessions, which will include qualifying stages followed by a final in which the top-scoring competitors will face off for glory.
“The burnout competition will be one of the highlights of the weekend, and we really wanted to build it up to a climactic finale where the best performers are competing head-to-head in front of a massive crowd,” Mr Williams said.
“We will have proper judges who will be looking for drivers to maximise their use of the burnout pad, generate continuous smoke and pop their rear tyres.”
Returning to the program is the grudge match drag racing, in which competitors will face off in a series of head-to-head elimination drags, until the final shootout between the fastest two cars.
There will also be a powerskid competition in which competitors will be judged on their ability to conduct the longest continuous skid.
One competitor in this year’s PCM will be Wagga Wagga’s Jack Seaman, who will be behind the wheel of his 1973 HQ Holden one-tonne ute.
Seaman’s car is an example of one of the meticulously-prepared machines competing in PCM; its 400 cubic-inch Chevrolet V8 runs on methanol, is supercharged and produces more than 1,000hp.
“My car has been designed to be competitive in the burnout competition,” Seaman said.
“A typical burnout lasts 50-60 seconds and in that time, the car will use around 80 litres of fuel; it’s a massive adrenaline rush!
“I’m looking forward to this year’s PCM, the changes will make it a lot safer for everyone.”
One of the main attractions at Performance Car Mania since its inception in 2005 has been the carnival atmosphere off the track, especially in the campground. This year, there will be live DJ entertainment taking place in the campground compound on the Friday and Saturday nights of the event.
In another tweak to the event regulations, patrons will not be permitted to bring alcohol into the event, however beverages will be available for purchase on site.
Overall, PCM 2016 is set to be the most upmarket and family-friendly edition of the event to date, enhancing its reputation as Victoria’s premier performance car festival.
Spectator Prices
Friday $25
Saturday $25
Sunday $25
Weekend Pass $60
Passengers $30 for the weekend (adults). 15 years and under are free, however parents must sign them on. A correct child restraint must be in place for children, and receive the safety check.
Camping Prices
Opens 9am Thursday
Adult Thursday (four nights) $100
Adult Friday (three nights) $75
Adult Saturday (two nights) $50
Adult Sunday (one night) $25
Children are classified as 3 years to 15 years old.
Child Thursday (four nights) $40
Child Friday (three nights) $30
Child Saturday (two nights) $20
Child Sunday (one night) $10
