Leyburn Sprints founder's action-packed 20 years of speed

IT’S been 20 years since Mike Collins brought the magic of the Leyburn Sprints to life.

MAGIC MIKE: Founder of the Leyburn Sprints Mike Collins prepares for another year of racing. Picture: Paige Ashby

IT'S been 20 years since Mike Collins brought the magic of the Leyburn Sprints to life.

The founder's love for hotspots started when he was 15 years old.

"I've always been heavily involved in motorsports and rallies."

He said the sprints all started when he realised there was a lack of motorsport in the region.

"This has brought motorsport onto the Downs and people can travel from places like Goondiwindi and all over to see the sprints," he said.

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There's no doubt that the event is a popular one with more than 230 cars entering the sprints this year

Crowds were also expected to reach of 1500 this year.

"We've got a few of the cars who ran 20 years ago and have come back," Mr Collins said.

"There's a lot of very good cars in today and there's a big crowd of people.

"There are a tremendous amount of cars with historical significance.

"It brings an incredible amount of pride to the small community.

"The event brings a lot of money to the small town and I would like to thank the committee as a whole for all their hard work to make this event possible."

A number of not-for-profit groups travel to Leyburn each year and organisers rely on the hard work of such volunteers to run the event.

Mr Collins said the sprints seemed to get bigger and better every year.

"We don't know exactly why we're so successful but we have always tried to keep it family-friendly."

"We have 10 recognised legends who are here this weekend who have been racing for many, many years."

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A special 20th anniversary legends dinner was held on Saturday night for those who had participated in the sprints since the beginning.

The race car legends weren't the only crowd pleasers at the weekend.

Many families enjoyed the Leyburn Sprints markets and the vintage van exhibition, which displayed decked-out quirky caravans. Some visitors had travelled from as far as Victoria for a weekend full of revhead fun.

Brisbane husband-and-wife team, Graham and Natalie Arnold said it was their second time to the sprints but it definitely wouldn't be their last.

The pair has been involved in racing for the past six years. "The fun of it brings us back; it's just a great atmosphere here."

The Shannon's Show 'n' Shine showcased classic and modern cars of all kinds on Sunday.

Entries were made on the spot so nobody knew what would turn up until it was there.

 

THE SPRINTS

•   Crowds were expected to reach 1500
•   More than 230 historic and racing cars.
•   Ten recognised legends at the weekend events.