09 Feb 2016 Shepparton News, Shepparton VIC (General News) by John Lewis COMPLETION OF $4.5 MILLION UPGRADE MEANS TRACK CAN ONCE AGAIN HOST MAJOR MOTOR RACING EVENTS Winton Raceway is back on track to host V8 Supercars and other major motor racing events after the completion of track upgrades and safetywork. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes opened the new track on Sunday saying the raceway is now set to become Victorias premier regional racing venue. This will generate a significant income boost for Benalla and contribute to the ongoing visitor economy in the region, Ms Symes said. The $4.5 million upgrade was a joint project between the state government and Benalla Auto Club, with Regional Development Victoria contributing $1 million. She said the improved track will support 59 fulltime jobs and is expected to increase Benalla tourism value by $10 million to $45 million a year. Raceway patronage is expected to increase by 40 per cent after five years. Winton operations manager Wayne Williams said the improvements included relaying of the track, new alignments, kerbing and drainage. He said the work was completed in a fast turnaround time starting on December 14 and finished in time to host the first V8 Supercar test opening day on February 22. The upgrades mean Winton now retains its Confederation of Australian Motor Sports Licence and is positioned to meet the standards of the Federation Internationale De lAutomobile and the Australian Auto Sport Alliance. This absolutely guarantees the future of V8s at Winton we now have the best track in Australia, Mr Williams said. Mr Williams said the new track surface will also mean the return of Australian Superbikes to Winton for the first time in 12 years. He said other projects in the pipeline include shaded spectator facilities with seating, and a permanent grandstand. Mr Williams said entertainment such as live music, an open food court with bar facilities, and burn-out displays are also planned for the V8 Supercars and other major events. The V8 Supercars Championship returns to Winton Raceway from May 15-17. For the full Winton calendar go to www.wintonraceway.com. au Caption Text: Set to go: Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes and Benalla Auto Club acting president Barry Stilo open the newly-upgraded Winton Raceway track. Top team: Prodrive Racing Australia has completed its domination of the Navara NP300 Winton V8 SuperSprint on Sunday, Mark Winterbottom claiming victory in Race 12 of the V8 Supercars Championship to take the points lead. Copyright Agency licensed copy (www.copyright.com.au)