Historic Leyburn Sprints return with action-packed weekend of racing

One of the biggest weekends on the motorsports events calendar is hotting up, with racing fanatics and sports legends making their way to the region for days of rubber-burning action.

The Historic Leyburn Sprints is back with a stellar weekend of racing ahead, as motorsports legends and revheads gear up for days of high-octane excitement.

The Sprints battled through years of difficulties due to Covid, with the 2020 sprint cancelled entirely and reduced attendance in 2021.

Warwick's Matthew Devitt in his 1965 Centaur Clubman Sports car at the Historic Leyburn Sprints (Photo: Southern Queensland Country)

Warwick driver Matthew Devitt is one of only three to have competed at every Leyburn Sprint since its inception in 1996.

He says it’s easy to understand how it has become a tradition to make the annual pilgrimage to Leyburn to take part year after year.

“Leyburn is the one event that we look forward to each year, we like the atmosphere and to have a bit of fun. It’s a good group of people that all get along and have a bit of a laugh, it’s a bit of a community,” he said.

“It’s the general camaraderie that comes with it. There’s a lot of people who look forward to it every year and it’s always a good event.”

Devitt’s 1965 Centaur Clubman is one of only seven in the world and visitors love to see it up close.

“It’s great for first-timers to just see the massive array of cars and see them driving around at pace,” he said.

“And there’s a lot of displays from cars to caravans, which are always really good.”

Organisers say that the series will “have something for everyone” and is expected to draw 15,000 motorsports fans to a town with a population of less than 500 people.

The Historic Leyburn Sprints is back again this weekend. Photo: Madison Mifsud-Ure / Warwick Daily News

Spokesman Chris Nixon said the Sprints will feature something for everyone, including the show ‘n’ shine, vintage caravan display and markets and stalls, on top of heart-stopping races.

“One to watch is Lismore’s Dean Amos, who’s always the favourite whenever he attends because he has a very good record at Leyburn and a very good car,” he said.

“This year will be first time we’ll be at a full complement of competitors and spectators since before the pandemic.

“The weather forecast for the weekend is looking good with warm, sunny weather, and it’s looking like a terrific return to form to come out to Leyburn and enjoy the event.

“There will be great country hospitality from the CWA food store to the Leyburn pub, and great displays for car enthusiasts to get up close and see some of their favourite cars.”

The Historic Leyburn Sprints will be held August 20 and 21, with tickets $25 a day or $35 for the weekend. Click here for more information and to buy tickets.

Gates will open 8am both days.