The Historic Leyburn Sprints: A Thrilling Celebration of Automotive History
The annual Historic Leyburn Sprints is a thrilling event that showcases the evolution of racing cars and the rich history of motorsport. This year's edition, held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1949 Australian Grand Prix, was a spectacular affair, attracting a record-breaking 231 participants and a diverse range of vehicles.
One of the highlights was Dean Amos' impressive performance in his Nicholsen McLaren-powered Gould GT55B. Amos, a prolific winner of the event, narrowly missed setting a new benchmark record, finishing just 0.790s shy of his 2019 time. His best lap of 40.584s was a testament to his skill and the car's performance.
The event featured a wide array of vehicles, including vintage classics like the Austin Seven Sports Special and Crossley Roadster, built in 1925, as well as modern racing cars such as the 2020 Toyota Yaris GR. The diversity of the field added to the excitement, with sports cars, racing cars, touring cars, rally cars, and street cars all taking part.
Among the notable participants were Belinda and Colin Schiller, who drove the MG T8 Peter Critchley Special and the MB TB Jack Nind Special, both of which competed in the 1949 AGP. Their presence added a touch of history to the event, as they shared the track with modern-day racing enthusiasts.
The competition was fierce, with Warwick Hutchinson in his OMS 28 RPV03 securing second place, and Brett Bull aboard the BBM/Kawasaki Turbo taking third. Hutchinson's performance was particularly impressive, as he opened up a 0.3s gap over Bull on the second day.
The event also showcased the talent of up-and-coming drivers, with Steven Woodbridge (Dallara F305) and Neil Lewis (Fly 1) finishing in fourth and fifth places, respectively. Doug Daniels (Nu Tec) and Blaise Paris in his Porsche 911 GT3 followed, with Luke Weiks (Empire 1), Mark Crespan (Ford Cobra RMC), and Roger Garcia in his McLaren 540C completing the top 10.
Despite the intense competition, the event remained incident-free, with only minor contact between vehicles, including several hay bales. The only serious damage was sustained by Kurt Kratzmenn (Porsche 910) and Ivan Voevodin (Mazda RX3), highlighting the skill and precision of the drivers.
The Historic Leyburn Sprints also featured a star-studded guest list, including Bruce Allison, Kevin Bartlett, Colin Bond, John Bowe, Dick and Steve Johnson, Graeme Lawrence, Steve Masterton, Andrew Miedecke, Charlie O'Brien, and Bap Romano. Miedecke's presence was particularly notable, as he brought two of his iconic cars, the Mercedes AMG and Ford Sierra RS500, for demonstration laps.
The event's cultural significance was further emphasized by the 'Night with the Stars, Under the Stars' event, held at Broncos' Ellangowan Woolshed. VIP guests enjoyed an auction of John Fench memorabilia, raising funds for Motorsport Ministries and the Historic Leyburn Sprints Community Fund.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the event was the addition of the Wikner Ford to the Sporting Museum. Discovered and purchased by Doug and Elizabeth Partington as a 14-year-old, this car is the oldest known Australian-built racing car and is listed in the American T Model Ford Speedsters and Racers Hall of Fame. Its restoration in 2019 allowed Partington to fulfill a childhood dream by racing at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The Historic Leyburn Sprints also offered visitors a chance to explore the site of the 1949 Australian Grand Prix, where they could see the GK Ford Special, an original entry in the race. Unfortunately, the car only lasted four laps before being restored by its current owner, Chris Hughes, who saved it from being scrapped.
In addition to the on-track action, the event featured various attractions, including the Vintage Van Village, the Shannons Show 'n' Shine, and Helicopter rides. The Shannons Big Rig 2 hospitality rig provided free spectator admission, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
The Historic Leyburn Sprints is a testament to the enduring appeal of motorsport and the rich history of racing in Australia. It brings together enthusiasts from all over the world, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for the sport's past and present. As the event continues to evolve, it promises to remain a highlight on the racing calendar, captivating fans and drivers alike for years to come.
