Ninth Win for Dean Amos as Historic Leyburn Sprints Hosts Spectacular Grand Prix Anniversary
Sprints President Tricia Chant said organisers had been expecting up to 16,000 visitors, but the final number when all receipts were counted would be significantly greater.
“We had plenty of things planned for the Leyburn Grand Prix 75th anniversary, but the response was amazing and I’m sure has confirmed Leyburn as Queensland’s most popular motorsport event after Supercars,” she said.
“Saturday in particular was packed with happy, friendly people all day and into the charity auction in the evening. The atmosphere at night around town was magical, with many drivers bedding down beside their race cars in the street and campfire parties happening in residents’ front yards and at the campsites.
“And then during the day, we had a fantastic grassroots Sprints competition, with everything from a 99-year-old Austin with an 84-year-old driver, to Ferraris, muscle cars and a 350 kmh Indianapolis 500 racer billed ‘too fast to win’ because Leyburn is just a tight course.
“I congratulate Dean Amos on his ninth win after a good battle with Warwick Hutchinson, who himself has four outright trophies here. Congratulations also to David Cross as the fastest driver in a historic car and to 16-year-old Jye Wickham winning the Junior competition.
“It was a weekend with grassroots motorsport at its core, but that gave much, much more.”
RESULTS:
- Fastest Outright (Col Furness Memorial Trophy): Dean Amos (Gould GR55B) 40.732 sec.
- Fastest Historic (Hayden Betts Memorial Trophy): David Cross (Bowin Hay) 52.520 sec.
- Junior Driver (Mike and Ann Collins Memorial Trophy): Jye Wickham (Hyundai Excel)
- John Mellon Rookie of the Year: Sam Niven (Mitsubishi Lancer)
- Volunteer Award (Alan Wickham Memorial Trophy): Michael Reid, John Tait
- Spirit of the Event (John Butterfield Memorial Trophy): Keith Edwards
- Show ‘n’ Shine, Best Car: David Stark (1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z28)
- Vintage Vans, Best Van: Len and Rosemary Kennedy (Kennedy 14ft, Studebaker Silver Hawk)
The 2024 Historic Leyburn Sprints is proudly supported by the Queensland Government. The Department of Tourism and Sport (Sport and Recreation), the Queensland Destination Events Program and the Southern Downs Regional Council provide assistance to help promote the Sprints and attract visitors to the Southern Downs region. The 2024 event also is supported by Motorsport Australia and many commercial sponsors. The Historic Leyburn Sprints was named 2017 Queensland Motor Sport Event of the Year. Proceeds from the community-run event assist local organisations and projects through the Historic Leyburn Sprints Community Benefit Fun.
