MEDIA RELEASE - 13 August 2009

THE Darling downs' own sports car manufacturer, Skelta, is debuting two hot new examples of its G-Force roadster to chase a home win in next weekend's Leyburn Sprints. Skelta designer Ray Vandersee and lead driver Guy Bedington, Leyburn regulars, hope one of them will go home to Toowoomba on Sunday night with the trophy for outright fastest car on a weekend that will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Australian Grand Prix staged on an ex-wartime airfield just outside the little town.

Around 190 historic and classic cars of many types and ages will contest the 14th annual sprints on Saturday and Sunday.

The field features father-and-son Ford icons Dick and Steven Johnson and numerous other top-flight drivers, but Bedington believes the Skeltas can set a record pace on the 1.1 kilometre round-the-streets course.

"The Mark 2 cars we are bringing now have supercharged Honda engines giving 230 kiloWatts of power. They are extremely light at just over 700 kgs and have fantastic cornering ability, so I am very hopeful they will perform strongly on the short, sharp course in Leyburn," he said.

"The Skelta G-Force is a true Australian supercar, built here in Toowoomba. Ray Vandersee is an engineering genius and has designed a car that can be driven on the road but has the track performance of a V8 Supercar."

Leyburn organisers are expecting a big spectator turnout for the 60th celebrations, which will feature appearances by the official starter, Colin Davy, now 81,and two cars from the grand prix on 18 September 1949, along with the Johnsons and retired Australian Gold Star Champion Kevin Bartlett.

In addition to the racing, weekend attractions will include markets, food and drink stalls, Leyburn's historic buildings and a friendly country atmosphere.

With part of the event proceeds given to local community projects, locals are lending a hand this week to put together the track and facilities.

Meanwhile, the first competitors are moving into the camp ground.

"This is a wonderful community effort to stage a weekend of genuine grassroots motorsport. The cars are fascinating and the camaraderie infectious - all our visitors can expect to enjoy a great weekend," said race director Mike Collins, of Clifton.

Adult tickets are $10 per day or $15 for the weekend, with children under 14 free. Campsites are unreserved and cost $10 per night.

Racing starts by 8.30 am on both days. Each car will make at least four individual timed runs.

Further information about the event can be found at www.leyburnmotorsprints.com.au

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