Founded by the Benalla Auto Club as a replacement for their previous circuit Barjarg, Winton Motor Raceway opened its doors for the first time in 1961.

Completed in just 12 months, the original circuit was 2.03 km and built inside the Winton Recreation Reserve approximately 8.5 km to the east of Benalla in Victoria.

The tight layout and good spectator viewing meant the circuit was popular from the off, and by 1985 the circuit had earned a round of the Australian Touring Car Championship.

Featuring on the tin top calendar most years thereafter, in 1995 widening upgrades came before a circuit extension was built two years later, along with a new permanent pit complex, taking the full circuit length to 3 km.

The FIA Grade 3 licensed circuit continues to be owned by the Benalla Auto Club, and today hosts series such as TCR Australia and Supercars, although neither series visits every season.