MEDIA RELEASE - 15 August 2009

THE small community of Leyburn on the Darling Downs is ready to welcome thousands of visitors this weekend as it celebrates the 60th anniversary of its biggest sporting event, the 1949 Australian Grand Prix.

The locals, whose charities and community facilities benefit from the proceeds of the annual sprints, have completed construction of the 1.1 kilometre temporary street course and settled campers into the local reserve and the back of rugby league legend Shane Webcke's Royal Hotel, the oldest continuously-licensed premises in Queensland.

"Everything is ready for a bumper weekend," race director Mike Collins said.

""The track is looking great, competitors and visitors are pouring in already and the weather promises to be unseasonally warm.

"For anyone wanting an entertaining, relaxing friendly family weekend, Leyburn is the place to be today and tomorrow."

The pub in McIntyre Street faces the starting line from where around 190 historic and classic cars will attempt to set the fastest time against the clock, stating from 8 am today.

Queensland racing icon Dick Johnson and his son Steven will be among the competitors, driving a Ford Falcon GT.

Accompanying the two-day event will be markets, food and drink stalls, a chance to see the historic buildings of the former goldfields town and the camaraderie of historic racing enthusiasts from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

They include Eric Worner of Mittagong, NSW, and Peter Gostelow, of Melbourne, who both have brought back cars that competed in the 1949 grand prix, and 81-year-old Colin Davy of Toowoomba, who was the race's official starter.

The only Leyburn Australian Grand Prix on 18 September 1949 attracted 30,000 people to an ex-wartime airfield track near the town. The sprints that continue the spirit of that event are in their 14th year.

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

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

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