Amos Leads Historic Leyburn Sprints on Day One

Download IPFS

LEYBURN, QLD, Dean Amos from Lismore set the pace on the opening day of the 29th Historic Leyburn Sprints, posting the fastest time on the 1.0-kilometer street circuit. Driving his two-time hillclimb championship-winning Nicholson McLaren 3.5-liter V8-powered Gould GR55B, Amos completed his second run in 41.840 seconds, improving on an initial 43-second effort.

“A 43 wasn’t bad for the first time out,” Amos said. “The track was pretty slippery, and the third run was much like the first, with some of the heat gone out of the surface.”

Amos’ Queensland rival, Warwick Hutchinson, followed in second place, recording his best time in the rotary turbo-powered OMS 28, 1.7 seconds slower than Amos. Brett Bull faced technical issues with his turbo Kawasaki-powered Brett Bull Motorsports car, limiting his performance.

Other strong performers included Ross Mackay in the 1.3-liter MACSPEC 24 open wheeler, Reid Hinton (Stohr F1000), Steven Woodbridge (Dallara F305/7), and Luke Weiks (Empire 1).

Spectators enjoyed clear skies and sunny conditions, with the event set to continue under similar weather on Sunday. The closed MacIntyre Street circuit will reopen at 6:00 a.m., with spectator gates opening at 6:30 a.m. A Family Fun-Run is scheduled for 7:00 a.m., followed by a sprint competition at 8:00 a.m., which will also be livestreamed.

The festival includes a Motorsport Alley car display and the Vintage Van Village. After the scheduled runs, the Top 10 Shootout will give the fastest drivers another opportunity to improve their times.

Recognized as one of Australia’s premier historic motorsport events, the Leyburn Sprints offer attractions for the entire family. Fans can meet Australian racing legends, including Dick Johnson, Warwick Brown, Kevin Bartlett, Charlie O’Brien, and Bruce Allison, at the Shannons Insurance tent.

Aerial views of the event are available through a 10-minute Elite helicopter ride from the paddock helipad. Visitors are also encouraged to see the Australian Grand Prix memorial on Macquarie Drive, commemorating the historic 1949 race won by John Crouch in a Delahaye.

Attendees can enjoy souvenir programs, local food and beverages, and a variety of vendor stalls throughout the festival precinct.