When the 27th Historic Leyburn Sprints hits the streets this weekend, it will be thanks to the efforts of local residents to keep their historic little town on the map.
On that map, the town comprises around 350 residents, one post office, two churches, a school, pub, police station, general store and a handful of houses.
Except during the Sprints this weekend – August 19 and 20 – when up to 15,000 historic and classic motorsport fans swarm in to watch two days of round-the-houses competition and enjoy the off-track activities.
But that is only half as many fans as reported to have attended the Australian Grand Prix staged on an ex-wartime airfield circuit just outside town on 18 September 1949.
The Grand Prix was the inspiration for local farmer and racer, the late Mike Collins, to found the Sprints in 1996 to rev up Leyburn again.
The Sprints is organised by the locals and community groups earn money by undertaking many roles from catering to running the campgrounds to emptying rubbish bins.
Other fundraising activities, including the popular Saturday night Charity Auction, boost the Historic Leyburn Sprints Community Benefit Fund, which is then used for various activities and projects around the town.
Tricia Chant, President of the organising committee, said few people would know about Leyburn if it did not host Queensland’s biggest historic motorsport festival of the year.
“Instead we have competitors and spectators from across Queensland and even from as far away as South Australia and New Zealand – every year,” she said.
“The Sprints was awarded Queensland Motor Sport Event of the Year in 2017.
“Through the efforts of our community, the Sprints brings so much to Leyburn and we’re very proud of it.”
Retired farmer and committee member Ken Oliver said the Sprints inspired him to go racing.
“I came here for the first event in 1996 and that spurred me to get a race car for the first time, a 1969 Monaro,” Mr Oliver said.
“The Sprints are brilliant for local pride.
“The length of time it’s been running, 27 years, proves its value.”
Tricia Chant said some Leyburn locals had become car enthusiasts themselves.
“Quite a few people around town have become imbued with the spirit of the Sprints and got old or interesting cars of their own. A couple actually compete.
“History and cars come together in a town that relishes both.
“There’s no better recipe for a great weekend.”
This year’s Historic Leyburn Sprints will feature more than 220 historic, classic and performance cars in time trials on a 1.0 kilometre closed-street course.
Vintage caravans, more than 100 cars and motorcycles in the Shannons Show ‘n’ Shine, racing car rides, markets, a charity auction, fun run and other activities are extra attractions.
Motor-racing champion Colin Bond will be guest-of-hours.
Competition starts at 8am on Saturday and Sunday.
Adult tickets are available online or at the gate for $25 a day or $35 for the weekend, with children under 14 free.
This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 17 August 2023.
