20140819 Qld Leyburn Sprints
20140819 On arriving at the camp site we ran into an old school friend Tammy Ovenden and their many friends so that night we joined them around a great fire for a few drinks and laughs.
20140820 We walked the town taking in the preparation for the big event when we ran into another old friend of Des's, Glenn and his partner Val and after a catch-up chat which left us a bit thirsty, so we headed to the local for a coldy only to run into them again. After dinner Des and I were sitting outside having a quite drink apart from the rowdy campers next door, I couldn't help myself, so I got up and yelled out, hey! keep the noise down and they all cracked up laughing so we ended up joining them around their fire laughing and drinking. Gee you meet some great people when you travel.
20140822 Des yells out, "Ha Lee" check out that bike it looks like Glenn Powderham, and when I watched him walk, I said to Des, that's Glenn alright I'd know that walk anywhere then Desies phone rang, yep that's Glenn all right, what a great surprise.
We talked about the Redlands boys arriving Saturday morning and Glenn being Glenn hates to miss out on the fun decided to go home and pack up his camper so we fenced off an area on both sides of our motor-home so no one could camp next to us.
The weather has been crap, blowing a gale, overcast and drizzling so we were not sure about the guys turning up and felt bad about fencing off an area for them, well! Des did I couldn't give a shit, everyone else was doing the same. Glenn phoned and couldn't make it as he forgot that his miniature Fox Terrier had pups and couldn't leave them, bummer, just drown them I said, joke guys.
Motor racing in Australia came of age in 1928 with the Australian Grand Prix held on Phillip Island, 21 years later after an eight year stay at its original home the door was open for Queensland to snare its own slice of motoring history. Lowood was the first choice to play host to the sprint due to its growing popularity at the time only the locals complained about the event being held during church mass, hence why it was held at Leyburn. The towns people were excited about the new event that would help rebuild the town after the 2nd WW. The abandoned WW2 airstrip just outside of the township was the first venue before it was relocated to the town centre. Who would have thought that a small country town in Queensland like Leyburn of just 150 people at the time could host such an event and would go on to provide a valuable legacy.
23-08-2014 We were woken by Desies phone going off a 6.30 in the morning, quick Des that will be Greg and to our surprise they were on there way, there's no stopping those boy's. Des and I were like a couple of kids we got up early to have breaky and clean up then waited for the guys arrival. they arrived around 8.30am to the sound of revving motors so after a cup of tea and all the tents assembled we headed to the Sprints.
OMG, talk about Deja vu, if Dave had a potter belly it would be like looking at a mirror image of Peak his brother riding into the camp ground.
Only a younger version of cause.
Check out the size of that nap sack Bruce carried on his bike, it nearly as big as his bike, but at least he was warm a comfortable.
The guys are into it up goes their tents while I make Dave and Greg a cuppa, sorry Bruce no coffee.
Greg unpacks after a wet ride from Brisbane only to find he has a flat tyre, but not to worry, he carries everything bar the kitchen sink on his bike.
Ok there all set up now to head to the Sprints so Des, Bruce, Dave and I started the move loosing Des along the way, he must have waited for the others.
Bruce, Dave and I have had enough of the finish line so we went in search of some more excitement. I must admit I was in ore of the whole event, it was like taking a step back in time, the lay back hassle free admisfear with people walking in and between all the racing cars with the exception of the main racing track of cause.
The scene out the front of the Hotel as the V8 lined up before the Start line.
A 1935, 1271cc Black MG valued at over half a Million dollars, gee he wouldn't want to crash that beauty.
Our first slide out in the wet came from a 1934 ford V8, 3916cc, now that's what we've been waiting for.
Ooo that was a close one.
But then he recovers and he's off spraying all the spectators as he takes his leave.
Holden FC 1958 V8, 5700cc
I looked up a spotted this beaded biker lurking in the bushes, now doesn't he look suss.
After the race we all ended up back at camp to sit around a lovely warm fire with the wood I wouldn't let Des touch all week and just as well as it only lasted us one night.
How crazy are we sitting around a fire in the rain with an umbrella.
Yes it was cold but that didn't deter these guys.
After a great day at the track and a few drinks with good friends to complete the day.
24-08-2014 We woke to a lovely sunny day but unfortunately the guys had to leave for their trip home but not before detouring to the Queen Mary Falls.
I'll give you one guess what the black tube on the back of Greg's bike is?
Yep it's a water tank that holds at least two liters of water. It doesn't finish there on that bike he also has a Billy can, gas burner, chair, cup, plate, cutlery, tent, sleeping bag and the last I heard a fry pan, we couldn't help but laugh, he's such a fuddy duddy.
I'll have a drink of that thanks Greg.
The guys are all packed and ready to hit the road with the exception of our Greg who's happy just plodding along with not a worry in the world, good on ya Greg.
Have a good ride Guys.
I couldn't leave out these cute old Caravan on display.
The inside was so well done and quite roomy.
Original 1930 Automatic Telescope Caravan selling for $13.500 if anyone is interested.
This is what I mean about this venue just takes you back in time, these old cars with the old building in the back ground really sets the scene.
John French was an honored guest at Leyburn sprints, he is a retired racing driver who had a long career throughout the 60s, 70s and early 80s and these were just a few cars he had raced in his time.
20140820 We walked the town taking in the preparation for the big event when we ran into another old friend of Des's, Glenn and his partner Val and after a catch-up chat which left us a bit thirsty, so we headed to the local for a coldy only to run into them again. After dinner Des and I were sitting outside having a quite drink apart from the rowdy campers next door, I couldn't help myself, so I got up and yelled out, hey! keep the noise down and they all cracked up laughing so we ended up joining them around their fire laughing and drinking. Gee you meet some great people when you travel.
20140822 Des yells out, "Ha Lee" check out that bike it looks like Glenn Powderham, and when I watched him walk, I said to Des, that's Glenn alright I'd know that walk anywhere then Desies phone rang, yep that's Glenn all right, what a great surprise.
Opps missed that one.
I set the tripod up to capture a photo of our good friend Glenn and our first visitor.
I set the tripod up to capture a photo of our good friend Glenn and our first visitor.
We talked about the Redlands boys arriving Saturday morning and Glenn being Glenn hates to miss out on the fun decided to go home and pack up his camper so we fenced off an area on both sides of our motor-home so no one could camp next to us.
The weather has been crap, blowing a gale, overcast and drizzling so we were not sure about the guys turning up and felt bad about fencing off an area for them, well! Des did I couldn't give a shit, everyone else was doing the same. Glenn phoned and couldn't make it as he forgot that his miniature Fox Terrier had pups and couldn't leave them, bummer, just drown them I said, joke guys.
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| The camp ground three days before the event then it was full. |
The History of the Leyburn Sprints
Motor racing in Australia came of age in 1928 with the Australian Grand Prix held on Phillip Island, 21 years later after an eight year stay at its original home the door was open for Queensland to snare its own slice of motoring history. Lowood was the first choice to play host to the sprint due to its growing popularity at the time only the locals complained about the event being held during church mass, hence why it was held at Leyburn. The towns people were excited about the new event that would help rebuild the town after the 2nd WW. The abandoned WW2 airstrip just outside of the township was the first venue before it was relocated to the town centre. Who would have thought that a small country town in Queensland like Leyburn of just 150 people at the time could host such an event and would go on to provide a valuable legacy.
23-08-2014 We were woken by Desies phone going off a 6.30 in the morning, quick Des that will be Greg and to our surprise they were on there way, there's no stopping those boy's. Des and I were like a couple of kids we got up early to have breaky and clean up then waited for the guys arrival. they arrived around 8.30am to the sound of revving motors so after a cup of tea and all the tents assembled we headed to the Sprints.
Ya! here comes the boys.
OMG, talk about Deja vu, if Dave had a potter belly it would be like looking at a mirror image of Peak his brother riding into the camp ground.
Only a younger version of cause.
Ok there all set up now to head to the Sprints so Des, Bruce, Dave and I started the move loosing Des along the way, he must have waited for the others.
Arr there they are the old farts have stopped for a chats.
Bruce, Dave and I have had enough of the finish line so we went in search of some more excitement. I must admit I was in ore of the whole event, it was like taking a step back in time, the lay back hassle free admisfear with people walking in and between all the racing cars with the exception of the main racing track of cause.
A Peter Brooks Holden Special
I spotted this old relic in someones back yard. I'm sure they had every intention to restored her,
"One Day".
Lining up to check in for the Sprint and the rumble of the cars was so exciting.
These guy were putting along in there 1960 Triumph 2187cc when I stepped in front to take my shot, they were all smiles.
Heading to the back track and as you can see it is very layback, you could never do this a Bathurst. The little 1940, 1000cc Silver Ford was one of my favorites.
After the race we all ended up back at camp to sit around a lovely warm fire with the wood I wouldn't let Des touch all week and just as well as it only lasted us one night.
After a great day at the track and a few drinks with good friends to complete the day.
24-08-2014 We woke to a lovely sunny day but unfortunately the guys had to leave for their trip home but not before detouring to the Queen Mary Falls.
I'll have a drink of that thanks Greg.
The guys are all packed and ready to hit the road with the exception of our Greg who's happy just plodding along with not a worry in the world, good on ya Greg.
Have a good ride Guys.
After the guys left Des and I headed back to the sprints where we spent most of the day wandering around and watching the V8 from the start line, you gotta love the sound of a V8.
A 1959 Goggomobile Dart 397cc, 2 stroke and it sold for £685 compared to the Austin Healy Sprite £1174 and ceased production in September 1961 after around 750 had been built. Check out the name on the back it's Shannon so it must belong to me, I wish.
I couldn't leave out these cute old Caravan on display. The inside was so well done and quite roomy.
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