July 20,  2023

Spectators near the final corner and finish line will see an historic addition to the Sprints infrastructure this year.

The starter’s tower from the former Lowood circuit has been refurbished and positioned at the end of the 1.0 km track. It may be the only remnant of Lowood, which, like the Leyburn grand prix circuit, was developed from a former wartime airfield.

Another connection that Lowood has with Leyburn was that the 1949 Australian Grand Prix was originally planned to be staged there but was said to have been rejected by church-going locals, who objected to the race being held on a Sunday. So the GP came to Leyburn and motor-racing history was made. 

Lowood did gets its AGP in 1960. It closed in 1966 after a 20-year run?

Leyburn competitor Neil McLeod and his wife Gwen, the Assistant Event Secretary, saved the tower after they found it abandoned in a farmer’s paddock and have donated it to the Sprints.

Other helpful information:

• Tickets (on-line or at the gate), adult Day $25, Weekend $35; children under 14 free
• Roadside parking surrounding the event precinct is free and abundant for general admission ticketholders
• Where to stay – last-minute camping is available at four local Hipcamp sites – check the camping tab on our website for details. Also, there are many other options in the region between Toowoomba and Warwick, including motels, classic country pubs, AirBnbs and farm stays. Check Southern Queensland Country for suggestions.
• Directions - Leyburn is on Toowoomba–Karara Road, via scenic routes 195kms west of Brisbane, 66kms south-west of Toowoomba and 61kms north-west of Warwick. See RACQ Trip Planner for directions.