MEDIA RELEASE - 12 July 2009

QUEENSLAND motorsport's "Ford First Family", Dick and Steven Johnson, will swap V8 Supercars for some golden-era Ford power when they contest the 14th annual historic Leyburn Sprints on the Darling Downs next month. Recalling the 60's and 70's heydays when Dick forged his career as a touring car and Bathurst legend, the father and son have accepted invitations to drive a Ford Falcon XY GT and Ford Escort Mk 1 in the popular round-the-streets event on 15-16 August.

Dick, recently voted by his fellow Queenslanders as a Q150 icon during the State's 150th anniversary celebrations, and Steve, driver of the Dick Johnson Racing/Jim Beam Racing V8 Supercar, will be part of a field of around invited 170 competitors in historic and classic cars.

Race Director Mike Collins said the Johnsons' return to Leyburn would be a major attraction for spectators who came from many parts of Queensland and New South Wales for the sprints.

"It will be a treat for us all to see Dick and Steve in action in some magnificent classic Fords," Collins said.

"It is typical of Dick, Steve and the Johnson family that they have given their support to an event that helps keep alive Queensland's rich motor racing history and that they will come along and have some, pure grassroots fun.

"Spectators will see that Dick has lost none of his determination to win and I'm sure there will be some intense, but friendly, family rivalry.

"This year's event being the 60th anniversary of the Australian Grand Prix at Leyburn, we are especially honoured to have them."

Leyburn's course covers 1.1 kilometres through suburban streets, starting from outside Queensland's oldest continuously-licensed hotel (c. 1863), now owned by local resident and returned Broncos rugby league star Shane Webcke.

Entries close on 17 July, but already include the So Cal Ford V8 Special, which was on the front row of the 1949 AGP and is now owned by Erick Worner, of Mittagong, NSW.

Entry forms are available at www.leyburnmotorsprints.com.au.

Organisers of the event have reduced ticket prices this year to help people dealing with the economic downturn. Adult tickets will be $10 per day or $15 for the weekend, with children under 14 admitted free.

For further information, contact:

Chris Nixon
Media Manager
Phone: (0418) 759 417
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