Fans will see an exciting climax to this year’s Historic Leyburn Sprints on 23-24 August when the weekend’s fastest drivers battle head-to-head for the outright win in a new Top 10 Shootout format.
In a major innovation for the 29th annual time trials, the Top 10 after the end of the Sprints field’s scheduled seven individual runs will each have a final chance in a special eighth run to set fastest time and win the Col Furness Memorial perpetual trophy.
However, while the drivers will have the opportunity then to improve their previous best time, the winner will be the fastest set on any run across the weekend.
The Sprints, commemorating the 1949 Leyburn Australian Grand Prix, has attracted a record 260 historic, classic and performance cars spanning more than 100 years of motoring.
An expanded line-up of off-track attractions includes the Motorsport Alley display of special cars, Shannon’s Show ‘n’ Shine, Vintage Van Village, VIP driver appearances, charity auction, fun run, live music at three venues, food and market stalls and raffles to win a Gold Coast Supercars 500 weekend for two, Supercheap Auto vouchers and hot lap rides.
Announcing the Top 10 Shootout, organising committee President Tricia Chant said it would be an exciting conclusion to the weekend for drivers and spectators.
“Very often the fastest times have been set on the last runs of the weekend when the cooler conditions are favourable, so there’s no reason the winner can’t come from a do-or-die effort in the Top 10 Shootout.
“All runs will count, but there will certainly be plenty of incentive for the Top 10, including a special winner’s trophy and a new podium ceremony for the final three,” she said.
“We canvassed the usual leading drivers and all of them welcomed the idea enthusiastically. And there’s a variety of cars among them, from specialised single-seaters to sports and touring cars, so the competition will be fascinating.
“It will be an extra attraction for spectators too, giving them a good reason to stay right to the end and applaud the winners on the podium.”
The Top 10 Shootout is expected to focus on Australian Hillclimb Champion Dean Amos’ bid to win a 10th Sprints in his English-built Gould GR55B V8.
Adult ticket prices are $30 per day or $40 for the weekend – available at the gate or pre-event online – 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.
This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 7 August 2025.
