August 18, 2023
Haybale safety barriers are lining the streets and campers are pouring in by the thousands as this little Darling Downs town prepares to host the 27th Historic Leyburn Sprints this weekend.
SPECTATOR INFORMATION
- 19-20 August 2023
- Macintyre St, Leyburn, Qld 4365
- Starts 8am Saturday-Sunday
- Tickets (on-line or at the gate), adult $25 daily, $35 weekend; children under 14 free
- Leyburn is on Toowoomba–Karara Road, 68kms south of Toowoomba and 75kms north-west of Warwick
Queensland’s biggest historic motorsport festival fires into action at 8am tomorrow for two days of time trials on Leyburn’s 1.0 kilometre public-street course.
More than 220 cars representing 10 decades of motoring will chase the fastest times in 60 classes, while off-track spectators will be attracted by a vintage caravan display, Shannons Show ‘n’ Shine competition, markets, a fun run, charity auction and numerous other attractions, including a guest appearance by Australian motor-racing legend Colin Bond OAM.
“We’re all ready to go and planning for a bumper event,” said Sprints President Tricia Chant, who will get in the spirit of the weekend by racing her own classic 1968 Ford Mustang.
“The forecast is for warm, dry weather and the track is in great condition so we’re expecting some fast times and maybe some records. Whatever happens, it will be a great show with everything from a Ferrari to 1920s Austins to classic single-seaters having a red-hot go.
“The atmosphere will be fantastic throughout the weekend. With only about 350 residents in the town area there is unsurprisingly very little accommodation, so we’ll have three or four thousand campers all having a great time. Our camp sites are sold out and people will even be camping in residents' front yards.
“It’s that atmosphere, the camaraderie and of course the exciting motorsport, tied up with Leyburn’s history as host of the 1949 Australian Grand Prix, that make this event so special.”
Adult spectator tickets purchased on-line or at the gate cost $25 a day or $35 for the weekend, with children under 14 admitted free. There is ample free street parking.
Live streaming of the event and results are available:
