Winton’s 2018 round has been confirmed for May 18-20 with Benalla Auto Club planning to use the government funding to boost crowd numbers and promote North-East Victoria.

The Andrew Government provided $200,000 through Tourism Victoria this year with competition to host rounds of the series from other circuits in Australia and overseas becomingly increasingly intense.

BAC chief executive Chris Lewis-Williams said the funding was critical.

“Our core Supercar customers will always come, but what takes it from a good event to a great event is more people through the gate,” he said.

“We’re aiming to make it more of an experience.

“We’ve increased our corporate for 2017 over 2016, but we want to increase it once again.

“We want to offer businesses in the North-East a Supercar experience that doesn’t cost Australian Grand Prix money.

“We will keep pushing the camping option.”

The Winton round attracted 60,000 people this year.

Poor weather on the Friday contributed to a slight attendance dip compared to 2016, but corporate and camping revenue was both up.

Supercars had granted Winton rounds in 2018 and 2019, but the additional funding from government was the missing piece in the puzzle.

North East Labor MP Jaclyn Symes said her government was firmly behind Winton and keeping the V8 round.

“Events at Winton are not only fantastic for racegoers, but bring in millions of important tourism dollars for the North-East region,” she said.

“The Labor Government assisted the Benalla Auto Club with funding of $1 million to resurface their track in 2015 and I am very pleased through my advocacy that additional tourism funding has been secured.

“North East Victoria has something for everyone including motoring enthusiasts, food and wine buffs, arts and culture lovers, and outdoor adventurers.”