A Montmorency business was short-listed for a Bank of Melbourne small business grant. The nominee is Brooke and Nell Donato's Runway Warrior.News clipping, black text.bank of melbourne small business grants program, runway warrior, donato family

Angelo Di Donato, from Bendigo, is passionate about restoring various items, a hobby he shares with his father, who was originally a blacksmith.Restoration is a nighttime hobby for Di Donato, who works as an RACV regional sales manager. Di Donato discovered a rusted 1960s racing car chassis by chance in Numurkah, Victoria, after missing out on buying machinery at a clearance sale. He researched the car's origins and found it was built by mechanics Derek Smith and Richard Hilyear at Monaco Autos in Dandenong for Bill Lorde-Milnes, using leftover parts. It is the first of seven 'Aussie Specials.'Di Donato spent two years restoring the car, making all necessary parts himself, and ensuring it complied with historic racing rules (e.g., drum brakes, modern tires for safety). The car, known as the Monaco Motors Aljon Special, features a 272 ci V8 Ford Customline engine and a VW Beetle transaxle (which required multiple replacements due to power mismatch). The car weighs 700 kg and can reach speeds up to 230 km/h (145 mph). Di Donato participates in the Regularity class at the Historic Winton event, where drivers aim to match nominated lap times rather than race for speed. He has previously won in this category and prepares meticulously by memorizing corner speeds. The event is organized by the Austin 7 Club and features historic cars, motorcycles, and sidecars, with displays and market stalls. Di Donato involved his family in the restoration and racing activities, including his father and son. He paid tribute to a former owner, John Skipper, by showing him the restored car. The event also celebrates significant vehicle anniversaries, such as 120 years for Studebaker and Cadillac, and 100 years for Austin Seven and others.Bendigo Advertiser Article - "Hobby rebuild revs up" by David Chapman, pictures by Noni Hyett, Sat 28 2022 This item contains the following documents 3486.58a The restored 1960 car with Angelo, colour photo 3486.58b The rusted wreck in Numurkah - colour photo 3486.58c Bendigo Advertiser Article - "Hobby rebuild revs up"bendigo, angelo di donato, monaco motors aljon special