Leyburn to turn into ‘mini Bathurst’
THE REGION’S most popular motor sport event will turn Leyburn into a “mini Bathurst” this weekend, with tens of thousands expected to descend upon the town over the coming days.
The Historic Leyburn Sprints is now in its 23rd year and draws one of the biggest crowds to a motorsport event outside the V8 supercars.
Last year, it was named Queensland Motor Sport Event of the Year at the CAMS State Motor Sport Awards in Brisbane.
Historic Leyburn Sprints committee president Tricia
Chant said it was never expected the sprints would be so successful.
“We’ve always had good strong crowds but we’ve seen in the past three to five years it has exploded,” Mrs Chant said.
“The camping had really taken off, you look around at the grey nomads and they’re making it their annual pilgrimage to go to Leyburn.”
About 15,000 people attended the event last year and more are expected this year.
The sprints run across Saturday and Sunday to create a festival atmosphere.
“It’s a country atmosphere, the ability to get close to drivers and cars,” Mrs Chant said.
Competition runs from 8am-5pm Saturday and 8am-3pm Sunday.
Entry for adults costs $20 each day or $30 for a weekend pass. Children under 14 enter free with a school ID card.