Winton 300

[alfagtv58]

Winton 300
November 12 &13 2011
100 Laps
Endurance Racing For Everyone
The 2011 Winton 300:  The Winton 300 is a 300km two driver endurance race.  It is open for any sedan based car to compete.  The event  thanks to its unique refuelling rules allows cars that don't have dry brake fuel systems fitted to be able to compete in an endurance event.  The 100 lap race around Winton Raceway will have a compulsory 5 minute fuel break when cars make their pitstop. 

The Winton 300 was one of Australia's most popular racing events in the 1980's and saw a number of Australia's best drivers compete.  Its History includes names such as Brad Jones, Neil Crompton, Peter Brock, Leo Geoghan, Peter Fitzgerald even Tony Grieg and Kerry Packer attempted the Winton 300.



How the Winton 300 works: The Winton 300 has a unique division system. There are six divisions based upon your Qualifying times.  The Division system is crafted so that you will be racing people that are close to your lap times and with endurance racing all about tactics, reliability and team work everyone has a real shot at winning their division.

http://www.wintonraceway.com.au/events/winton-300


Anyone interested in doing this?  I am, but its 2 weeks after Historic Sandown which is 2 weeks after the 6 Hour.....bit of a risk that the car might not be too well prepped after a lot of laps in the previous month.

If you are keen, PM me.  I could be tempted (easily) to run either with you, or get my car down to Hugh for some more prep work......wonder if I can fit some GTV6 brakes for the weekend

[Neil Choi]

Mmmmm.  Sounds interesting.  If you want a second rate driver?

I could crew if not driving. 

I can supply GTV6 brakes but wheels could be a problem.  Do 14's fit over GTV6 brakes, can't remember, don't think so.  Got 15's Simmons but need spacers with hub centre made, plus tyres.

Neil

[Jekyll and Hyde]

Mmmmm.  Sounds interesting.  If you want a second rate driver?

When did you get that good? 

[aggie57]

Phil - I think this is an event that some Alfa folks ran in this event back in the 80's as well.  Or maybe it was a 3-hour race.  Anyway, I remember Frank Porter ran his white Sud one year.

The rules stated that they could only run a certain number of tyres, 6 I think.  It was when R's started appearing and Yokohama had two - the A001 and the A008.  Frank used the A001 which was the softer of the two and unfortunately the wear rate was such that all the tyres had worn to steel well before the end of the race.

He came in for a pit stop and the scrutineers wouldn't let him replace the tyres that were on the car for 2 other dubious ones unless there was a puncture.  So Steve Wise, the team manager, put a knife through the sidewall and looking the scrutineer straight in the eye asked "now - is that flat?!".  Well, yes it was and based on his previous ruling they were allowed to change the tyre.  

I think Frank finished in the end as well.  Good drive regardless.

[alfagtv58]

I like that story Alister  

I'm still keen, but after thinking about it a bit more, I'm not convinced a Group S spec Alfetta is ideal.  Brakes will be the main thing that will, ummm, stop it?!  The std 4 cyl ones will not cope with 90 laps (based on fastest cars doing 1.35, would be lapped about 10 times over 100 laps).  Fuel consumption with a standard tank would be another issue.  The race would be around 2hrs 40min (based on winner doing 100 laps @ 1.35).  I cant get an hour and twenty out of a tank, and stopping twice would be pointless.

So I would need to put GTV6 brakes (and probably EBC Yellows) on, which would mean 15" wheels, a set of tyres (plus you would have to take a spare set) and a larger fuel cell in the car.

I would dearly love to do this event, the endurance stuff really floats my boat.....but the budget wont stretch to do those mods on top of usual entry accom etc.  And you HAVE to use Wintons fuel, which they can charge at whatever rate they want......

Evan, dont be such a namby pamby.  Get the Sud prepped.

[alfagtv58]

Actually a twin spark would get fairly good economy, Gully.....

[Paul Gulliver]

Especially  one with V 6 brakes. You would need a cage though , wouldn't you

[alfagtv58]

Twin Spark, GTV6 brakes, cage, log booked....this car would be ideal

I know Alex has done the Wakefield 300 a couple of times in this car.

[alfagtv58]

Still keen to do this.

Looking into a few things now, fitting GTV6 brakes and if my 14" wheels will fit over them, EBC Yellow brake pads, fuel delivery system (refueling), higher capacity fuel cell.  All of which costs $$$, so if I do end up doing this I wont be able to do Historic Sandown   Decisions, decisions 

What do you need to do about pickup pump when fitting a fuel cell, I assume the standard fuel gauge will be rendered useless, what (if anything) can you do about having a gauge?

[ItalCarGuy]

Phil, you will be very lucky to get your wheels over the brembos. Even a lot of 15" wheels have problems without spacers. Sounds like a big challenge entering an event like this. Good luck!

[hammer]

Phil,

I just read the entry form and supp regs. It sounds like awesome fun!

No dough in my racing account for this year, but man I'd love to have a crack at this if it is run in future years.

I hope it works out for you mate,

Brent

[alfagtv58]

Well, after doing the $ums, then convincing myself life is to short to miss out on things like this over a few bucks, reality set in and I sent my entry off for historic Sandown.  So no Winton 300 for me....this year.

I sincerely hope it's a real success for them, I will do it next year when I have more time to prep properly for it.