Sport
11 June, 2026
Major Milestone for the Leyburn Sprints
It’s 30 years since local hay contractor and motorsport competitor Mike Collins combined with the Historic Racing Car Club of QLD (HRCC) to launch an annual event commemorating the 1949 Leyburn Australian Grand Prix.
The outcome since Day One has been an invaluable annual financial contribution to local community organisations and projects, these days formalised through the Historic Leyburn Sprints Community Benefit Fund.
You know the big weekend is getting closer when entry applications finally open. Organisers are expecting another bumper starting list representing many types and brands of competition cars from the past 100 years.
It attracts up to 250 starters from Sprints competitors in cars ranging in vintage from 1924 to modern-day and has become a thrilling contest on a street course right through the middle of town.
The extraordinary line-up is what makes Leyburn special. From Ferraris to Fords, MGs to Morrises, or Beemers to Brabhams, there’s a chance you’ll see them at Leyburn.
Entries are accepted in more than 60 classes defined by car type, age and engine capacity. Cars race one-by-one against the clock from the start line in MacIntyre Street, just a few metres from the marshalling area in front of the 1863 Royal Hotel.
Off-track, the Committee has developed a wide range of attractions to ensure there’s something for every visitor to enjoy, from displays to competitions, live music, markets and even a lively charity auction. On Thursday 13 August you can join with some of Australia’s great racing drivers from the past at a special “Night With the Stars” at the historic Ellangowan Woolshed. Host will be owner and rugby league great Shane Webcke.
The actual Leyburn Sprints will be run on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August.
