The Historic Leyburn Sprints are set to be one of Queensland’s biggest annual motorsport events with a record 260 historic, classic and performance cars set to contest the 29th edition on 23-24 August.
Overwhelming interest after last year’s street Sprints, which celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Leyburn Australian Grand Prix, has drawn a fresh flood of entries ranging from classic Le Mans-type Ferraris and Jaguars and modern supercars to Aussie tin-tops and even a 101-year-old French Amilcar.
A highlight will be the appearance of Queensland’s own supercar, the rare Giocattolo Group B.
In 2024, the community-run Sprints accepted 240 entries, drew record attendance of 18,000 and was judged Queensland Motorsport Event of the Year by Motorsport Australia. Sprints President Tricia Chant said the momentum of that event has boosted interest for this year.
“It’s amazing even more cars have come out of their sheds this year. No other Queensland motor-racing event attracts as many competitors or the incredible variety of cars that Leyburn does,” Mrs Chant said.
Visitors to the tiny Southern Downs town – usual population around 350 – this year can expect plenty of high-octane action on-track, with time trials on the 1.0 km closed-street course from 8am on both days, and a packed menu of off-track entertainment.
Several famous former drivers will attend as VIP guests, including Queensland 150 Icon Dick Johnson and 1977 Australian Grand Prix winner Warwick Brown. The 1949 winner’s trophy will be displayed for the first time in more than 20 years, alongside three original Leyburn grand prix cars and two associated with Formula One World Champion Sir Jack Brabham.
A new Vintage Van Village featuring colourful restored caravans, a Show and Shine, charity auction, fun run, market stalls, live music at three venues and helicopter and race-car rides will add to the fun. The night-time atmosphere will be enlivened by an expected 5000 campers.
Cars will contest the Sprints in 59 classes, with strong interest in whether nine-time outright champion Dean Amos can extend his existing record tally and other trophies for the fastest Historic driver and Junior challenge winner.
For the first time, the entry list spans 100 years. It features everything from the obscure to the iconic, giving fans a chance to see in action cars such as the Jaguar D-Type, Jaguar XJ13 and Ferrari P4 – all replicas – 1933 Aston Martin Le Mans, 1988 Nissan Skyline HR31 GTR and 1988 Giocattolo Group B.
“It’s all about giving our visitors a wonderful day out, whether they’re diehard car fans or a family looking for a bit of fun that won’t break the bank,” Mrs Chant said.
Fans who want even more motorsport can enter the Sprints’ on-line raffle to win a Gold Coast 500 Supercars weekend for two, including VIP champagne hospitality tickets and four nights’ accommodation, or five runner-up prizes of $500 Supercheap Auto vouchers. Raffle tickets are for sale at www.raffletix.com.au/leyburnboostraffle2025.
Adult ticket prices are $30 per day or $40 for the weekend – available at the gate or pre-event on-line – while accompanied children under 14 enter free. Street parking is free and food and drink prices at community-run outlets are set at affordable levels.
(Pictures supplied Trapnell Creations, Roz Harman)
