An MG TB single-seater which raced in the 1949 Australian Grand Prix in Leyburn will return to the Queensland town for this month’s Leyburn Sprints.
The MG will be one of the headline acts at this year’s 22nd edition of the Historic Leyburn Sprints, an event which helps to commemorate the town’s hosting of that 1949 Australian Grand Prix on an ex-wartime aerodrome.
The car, already 10 years old at the time, was driven in that race by Jack Nind but failed to make the finish due to engine failure.
It will be driven in this year’s Leyburn Sprints by Belinda Schiller, daughter of car owner Colin Schiller from nearby Cambooya.
Leyburn Sprints President Tricia Chant says that the MG’s appearance helps maintain the traditional connection between the event and the 1949 grand prix.
“It’s extraordinary that this car still even exists, as some grand prix entrants didn’t survive the era, but to have it find a new home here on the Darling Downs not far from Leyburn and to have it running next weekend is truly wonderful,” she said.
“It will be a treat to see such an historic car, well preserved despite a long competition career and one of the oldest entries this year.”
A field of over 200 cars will descend on Leyburn for the event, ranging in age from two 1925 1925 Austin 7s to a 2017 Cobra 427 SSR.
Also among the entries is an ex-World Rally Toyota Celica GT4, to be driven by Stuart Bowes.
Dean Amos will attempt to defend his crown on the 1km street course, which he has won outright for the last three years, in a Formula 1-powered Gould Judd V8.
Leyburn is located in Queensland’s Darling Downs region, approximately 200km west of Brisbane.
Racing takes place on August 19-20.
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