Seventy-five years ago, the small Queensland town of Leyburn played host to an extraordinary event—the Australian Grand Prix.
On 17-18 August, this historic moment will be celebrated with the Historic Leyburn Sprints, a major event expected to draw thousands of visitors to the Southern Downs.
A Legacy of Speed
In 1949, Leyburn, with a population of just 300, saw 30,000 people gather to witness the nation’s premier motor race at a remote wartime airfield. The race featured 28 cars, and driver John Crouch took the victory in a French-built Delahaye 135S. This year, the Sprints will feature around 220 vehicles, ranging from a 1925 Austin 7 to muscle cars, a replica Le Mans Ferrari, and a 350 km/h Indianapolis 500 contender.
On and Off Track Attractions
While the track will be alive with racing action, the event will also offer a variety of off-track attractions to celebrate the grand prix anniversary. Highlights will include show and shine displays, vintage caravans, a charity auction featuring motorsport memorabilia, a fun run, markets, autograph sessions, trade exhibits, live music, hot-lap rides, and a competitors’ welcome party.
Special guests from the racing world and original 1949 grand prix cars will be in attendance. There will also be a competition class for junior drivers, adding to the excitement and commemorative atmosphere.
Exploring Leyburn’s Rich History
Visitors will have the chance to explore Leyburn’s historical sites, including landmarks from the 1860s gold rush era. The 1863-licensed Royal Hotel will serve as the entertainment hub of the weekend. Additionally, the site of the former Golden Fleece Hotel will be transformed into a new spectator point and licensed bar at turn one.
During World War II, Leyburn was home to a secret airbase where B-24 Liberty heavy bombers flew missions to Southeast Asia. Visitors can travel along Delahaye Drive, Liberator Place, and Wirraway Avenue to see monuments dedicated to the RAAF 200 Special Duties Flight, Z Special Unit, and the grand prix itself.
A Unique Motorsports Event
“There’s nothing else like the Historic Leyburn Sprints,” says organizing committee President Tricia Chant. “It’s one of Queensland’s biggest motorsports events after Supercars and no other former grand prix venue actively celebrates its heritage like Leyburn does every year. This year being the 75th anniversary, we’re putting in a big effort to make it special for our visitors and competitors, to send them home with great memories.”
Event Details and Tickets
The final entry list for the Sprints will be announced soon. Tickets and campsites can be purchased online. Organizers are also running the Historic Leyburn Sprints 75th AGP Anniversary Raffle, with a grand prize of an $11,000 Repco Bathurst 1000 weekend for two and five runner-up prizes of $500 Supercheap Auto vouchers. Raffle tickets are available exclusively online, and the prizes will be drawn on the final afternoon of the Sprints.
Competition starts at 8 am on both Saturday and Sunday. Adult tickets are available online or at the gate for $25 per day or $35 for the weekend. Children under 14 can enter for free, and on-street parking is also free.
Join the celebrations and experience the thrill of motorsport history at the Historic Leyburn Sprints.
