70 years ago the first Australian Grand Prix to be run in Queensland took place at a disused WW2 airstrip in Leyurn (pronounced "Lee-burn"), on the Darling Downs. south west of Toowoomba.
For 24 years now a group of dedicated locals have run the Leyburn Sprints, open to all manner of cars on a course through the town's streets. Just over a kilometre in length, the course is lines with a mixture of concrete block (a la any street circuit) and lots of hay bales. Yet unfortunately, cars still come to grief.
I have an interest in this because back when I first got involved in rallying a couple of my mates were Mike Collins and John Hall. Mike has actually been the driving force behind the sprints for most of their history. He's the Race Director. John Hall is the Treasurer. Mike's wife was heavily involved, even serving as a local councillor for many years. She passed away a couple of years ago. Mike's daughter, Tricia Chant, is president of the Sprints Association. Mike, John and Trish all compete as well.
Mike moved his family from Brisbane to the Leyburn area in the 70's and now controls a massive hay bailing operation with equipment and operators travelling all over the eastern states.
I was last there 6 years ago.
This year, my wife and I drove up for the day (3½ hours each way).By 11am, Saturday, there had been 30,000 people through the gates.
Special guests were Dick Johnson, Kevin Bartlett, Fred Gibson, Colin Bond, John French, Bob Holden, Jim Berttram and Bill Gates (who won the 1969 Rothman's Twelve Hour at Surfers Paradise). Bill is also on of the three with the initials BG who contributed to the naming of the Bee Gees. Dick's whole family was there. Including wife Julie, son Stephen, Steve's son Jett.
Below are a random selection of photos. I'll try to also link a PDF of the entries to help identifying them.
