THE annual Leyburn Sprints for historic and classic cars on the Darling Downs is expecting record times and better-quality fields after confirming that a slick new $100,000 surface will be laid on the round-the-houses track for this year's event in August.

The four-metre wide and one-kilometre long course will be upgraded by Boral Asphalt and the Southern Downs Regional Council and will be ready in time for the popular event on 21-22 August.

The Leyburn Sprints, which celebrate the running of the 1949 Australian Grand Prix on a wartime airfield near the town, is in its 15th year but has been facing dwindling interest from top-level competitors because of the track condition.

Ann Collins, President of the organising committee of the community-run event, said competitors had been reluctant to risk stone damage to their valuable historic and classic cars on the current track, which has a coarse-chip surface and rough edges.

"The upgrade was essential if we were to retain the kind of cars that represent the Leyburn tradition and therefore ensure an event with long-term appeal and viability," Mrs Collins said.

"The Leyburn Sprints committee and our competitors are extremely grateful that Boral through its Darling Downs division has agreed to provide at no charge $70,000 worth of cartage, equipment and labour to lay the surface and that the Southern Downs Regional Council will pick up the $30,000 material cost of 290 tonnes of hot-mix asphalt.

"This is a very substantial contribution from both the Council and Boral. Not only will the work make the Sprints faster and more exciting for drivers and spectators, but it also will provide a superior day-to-day road surface for Leyburn residents and reduce the long-term maintenance cost for the council."

Entry to the Sprints is by invitation and applications close on 1 July.

Expected to attract up to 210 historic racing and classic cars from past eras, plus some celebrity drivers, the Sprints is one of the Darling Downs' biggest motorsport events. It is renowned throughout the Australian racing movement for its mix of history, lively competition and friendly country atmosphere.

The historic little town, 220 kms south-west of Brisbane, comes alive for the Sprints as competitors and spectators set up for the weekend in the campground, in residents' front yards, at the roadside or in the back yard of Queensland's oldest continuously-licensed hotel, which dates from 1863.

Profits from the Sprints are distributed to community organisations and projects.

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For further information, contact:
Ann Collins
President
Mob. (0428) 959 101
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