Classic cars enthusiasts will be thrilled to witness an impressive lineup at the upcoming event.
A Showcase of Iconic Vehicles
[IMAGE0CONTEXT:bmw_330] Just some of the classics that will be on display include the Ferrari 330 P4, Jaguar XK120 Robinson Special, Holden Commodore VL Group A, and the 1939 MG TB. Images: Trapnell Creations. From August 23-24, these iconic vehicles will grace Motorsport Alley, located just inside the main spectator gate on MacIntyre Street. Among the highlights will be three original cars from the 1949 Leyburn Australian Grand Prix, alongside vehicles driven by Formula 1 World Champions Sir Jack Brabham and Nelson Piquet.
Exciting Displays and Legendary Cars
The exhibition will feature Le Mans-type sports cars from both Ferrari and Jaguar, classic Bathurst contenders, and a rare Queensland supercar, the Giocattolo Group B. “Leyburn has never had such a big display of exciting cars, and I think our visitors are going to love Motorsport Alley,” stated Sprints committee president Tricia Chant. “There’s something for everybody, and the chance to see up-close a Le Mans Ferrari or Jaguar, a Formula 1 Cooper, or some legendary Australian Group C and Group A touring cars is something many enthusiasts otherwise would not have in a lifetime.”
Grand Prix Highlights
The grand prix cars on display will include the ex-John Nind 1938 MG TB Special, Dick Cobden’s 1946 MG TC Special, and the 1939 GK Ford Special of Ross Gray. All these vehicles are in excellent running condition and are expected to perform demonstration runs during the Saturday and Sunday lunch breaks, driven by their current owners: Colin Schiller, Evan Redman, and Chris Hughes, respectively. Notably, the GK Ford Special has not been seen or run in 20 years and will be making its first appearance at Leyburn since 1949.
Notable Racing Legends
A 1958 Cooper Climax Mk III, driven by Sir Jack Brabham, will be showcased alongside the Ralt RT4, in which Brazilian Nelson Piquet finished second in the 1981 Australian Grand Prix. Australian champion driver Kevin Bartlett will reunite with the 1964 Brabham BT11A Repco Brabham Climax, the very car in which he set the historic first 100 mph (160 km/h) lap of Mount Panorama in 1967.
A Diverse Collection
The display will also feature a variety of vehicles, including a 1924 Amilcar C4, a 1925 Austin Seven Sports Special, a 1925 Crossley 15/30 Roadster, a 1928 Austin Seven, a 1952 Jaguar XK120 Robinson Special, and a 1955 Jaguar D-Type Replica. More modern race cars will also be represented, such as the ex-Garry Willmington Ford Falcon XD, the ex-Berklee Exhaust 1982 Mazda RX7, the ex-Lansvale Smash Repairs Group A Holden Commodore VL, and the ex-Gibson Motorsport Nissan Skyline HR31 GTR.
Additional Attractions
In addition to Motorsport Alley, this year’s Historic Leyburn Sprints will introduce the new Vintage Van Village, Shannons Show ‘n’ Shine, VIP driver autographs, and live music across three venues. Attendees can look forward to a charity auction at the Royal Hotel (built in 1863) on Saturday night, a fun run, market stalls, race car rides, and an abundance of country-style food and refreshments.
Ticket Information
Adult tickets for the Historic Leyburn Sprints are priced at $30 per day or $40 for the weekend, with accompanied children under 14 entering for free. The Historic Leyburn Sprints receives support from the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, as well as the Southern Downs Regional Council, which provides financial assistance to promote the Sprints and attract visitors to the Southern Downs region. Proceeds from this community-run event support local organizations and projects through the Historic Leyburn Sprints Community Benefit Fund. The event is also backed by Platinum Sponsors, including JMC Performance, Boral, Loaders R Us, Speedcafe.com, Collins Hay, Shannons Insurance, and Tait Freight.