[MELB] EXE Track Day @ Winton Raceway

Rain and possible thunderstorms. Not the words anybody wants to hear before a track day. EXE Crew, a close-knit group that share a similar interest in track racing, begin the ritual of preparing their machines for a day at Winton Raceway, near Benalla in Victoria, for a private track day. Rain, hail or worse – the show must go on. Would the circuit be treacherous or forgiving?

Written by: EXE Crew / Photos taken by: Shaun Chiew

It’s 7:30 am and everybody is gathering at the gate, eager as can be. Everybody knows their roles and then the machine rolls into action. It’s all hands on deck to get the 65 cars racing: a blur of paperwork, brooms and safety checks. In just under one hour, an otherwise quiet Sunday morning will be once again pierced by the wail of engines.

About EXE Crew

EXE was formed in 2004, a few friends with the same burning interest to learn about all things driving related. It has since grown to a bigger family, each member with their own unique story, but this deep-rooted friendship, respect and support is the glue that holds the Crew together – What you drive is irrelevant, the EXE spirit is held within, a testament to actions being greater than words.

Soon, the puddles on the track’s surface have disappeared and nobody holds back as tyres screech, rev limiters crackle and wheels skim the ripple strips. The drivers are getting comfortable with the track and the spectators are enjoying the show. Bringing the joy of racing to everybody is what it’s all about.

You must be wondering whose S2000 is that. This would be Vyets s2000 which was previously featured is now on some Advan ao50 and smashed his pb by 5 seconds. Lapping a 1:37.68 making him one of the fastest s2000′s at Winton according to S2Ki.com his one of the fastest s2k there by 3 seconds. Well done !

Lunch happens on a rotation so the cars are never off the track. Tyre pressures, check! Oil levels, check! Coolant level, check! No matter where you’re from, what you drive or who you are, everybody is there for the same common bond: The passion of pure and unadulterated driving, the limitless enjoyment and most importantly, the friendships, both old and new.

For many, that unending challenge of bettering laptimes, chasing down the hundredths of a second at every corner, is what keeps us motivated. The race track provides the ideal proving ground for car and driver and their intricate relationship. The look of elation or disappointment as people strain to see their times on the monitor after each session says it all.

Don’t think, just do! There is truth in this simple proverb. Outside of the track, EXE regularly organizes social events and much more. Our members love family, love cars, love driving, love tuning and love speed. The circuit is simply our place of reunion, a canvas in which we can spread and our passion.

For most, the day turns out to be a blast. But occasionally, car troubles can plague an unlucky few. From fluid leaks, brake failures, tuning problems and occasionally something more sinister. But, that’s just the nature of the day and what keeps the hunger constant. The battle of attrition continues towards the late hours of the afternoon, when only a few cars are still striving to cut those times on a near-empty track.