SOME of Australia’s best known racing identities of past decades will be in the spotlight when the Historic Leyburn Sprints hosts its inaugural Legends Dinner during the 20th anniversary next month.
Ron Tauranac, Bo Seton, Bruce Allison, Paul Stokell, John French, Bob Holden, Jim Bertram, Brian Michelmore and John English will appear at the winner to be held on Saturday night 15 August at Leyburn’s Royal Hotel, which itself is an historic venue with a licence dating back to 1863.
Adding to the attractions, Bo Seton’s favourite Bathurst Ford Capri will be part of the celebrations.
The 1965 Bathurst Armstrong 500 winner, now aged 78, will be making his first appearance at Leyburn, the round-the-houses time trials that commemorate the running of the 1949 Australian Grand Prix on a wartime airfield just outside the Darling Downs village.
“Captain Capri”, as he’s known, hopes to bring the car that he and his son Glenn shared in the 1983 Bathurst 1000. Bo hasn’t driven the Capri for several years, but says it’s the only one he’s kept from the many he built and raced, because of its sentimental value.
“I’ve always kept it. It means a lot to the family. It’s quite a few years since it’s run, but I still love getting away to race meetings,” Seton said.
Organisers are expecting entries from up to 225 classic, historic and performance cars on the track. While on-track competition takes centre stage, off-track attractions will feature big Shannons Show ‘n’ Shine and Vintage Caravans displays, both offering prizes for winners in several classes.
The inaugural Legends Dinner will provide entertainment for competitors and supporters who camp every year and add to the Sprints’ special country atmosphere. For more information: www.historicleyburnsprints.com.au.
