FUN FILLED THEME FOR 2018 WINTON SUPERSPRINT

A fun-filled combination of off-track entertainment and on-track action is the theme for this year’s Virgin Australia Supercars Championship Winton SuperSprint, to be held at the nation’s action track on 18-20 May.The popular two-race SuperSprint format returns, with a 120km (40 lap) race on Saturday, followed by a 200km (67 lap) race on Sunday, complete with pit stops for refuelling. The Dunlop super-soft compound tyres will be used for the entire weekend.The event will mark the first racing appearance of Holden’s ZB Commodore, and the last appearance for a Ford Falcon in the main game, following the announcement of Mustang’s arrival in 2019.The Supercars will be accompanied on the program by four support categories. Some of the most successful Supercars from the pre-2013 era will battle for glory in the Kumho V8 Touring Car Series, which is becoming established as a breeding-ground for future stars of the sport.Meanwhile, the brand-new ECB SuperUtes Series will showcase some of the best-selling vehicles in Australia – twin-cab diesel utes. The SuperUtes attracted plenty of attention in their inaugural round at the Adelaide 500, and are guaranteed to put on a show for the fans.Another category that always provides entertainment is the Aussie Racing Car Series, which makes its first appearance at Winton since 2013. The small, motorcycle-engined cars race in close packs, with overtaking moves aplenty.Rounding out the support card will be the Touring Car Masters, which has attracted cars (such as Ford Falcon and Mustang, Holden Torana, Chevrolet Camaro and Valiant Charger) and drivers (such as John Bowe, Steven Johnson and Jim Richards) that have legendary status in the sport.There will be entertainment in between races as well, highlighted by the Matt Mingay Stunt Show, which will feature sideways action from the 800hp Hot Wheels drift cars, and awe-inspiring feats on a fire-breathing 1200cc Harley Davidson.Recent Winton Supercars events have attracted healthy crowds, who have loved the off-track experience just as much as the on-track racing.As well as food stalls and merchandise alley operating all weekend (with a free shuttle bus between the main attractions), this year will also see Saturday Night Live, featuring performances from Reece Mastin, Andrew Wishart and SMAC.General admission tickets are available at the gate, but cheaper rates are available for those who book online through the Winton website.Limited grandstand seating and Corporate Hospitality is also available by calling the Winton office on 03 5760 7100.