Sport
12 July, 2021
Another big name is Leyburn-bound
One of Australia’s most decorated motor racing champions, John Bowe will attend the Historic Leyburn Sprints for the first time at its 25th anniversary celebrations next month.
Two-time Bathurst 1000 winner Bowe will be among a select group of drivers known as the Leyburn Legends invited to celebrate the Sprints’ quarter-century and Leyburn’s hosting of the 1949 Australian Grand Prix.
Still an active competitor after 50 years, Bowe will join former rivals from the 70s and 80s including Dick Johnson, Colin Bond and Fred Gibson, plus other stars still to be announced.
The Leyburn Legends will be among the highlights of a weekend of grassroots motorsport competition on 21st and 22nd August, featuring more than 200 historic, classic and performance cars.
The event also will host a Shannons Show ‘n’ Shine competition, vintage caravan display, country markets and other family-friendly attractions.
By the time he appears at Leyburn, Bowe will have contested 1200 races in his career.
“It will be nice to catch up with everyone at Leyburn, but I’ve said I’d like to drive a car if they can find me one,” he said.
“I’ve heard the Sprints is a great little event - my mate Dick Johnson has been going for years.
“I love what I call real cars like they run at Leyburn and motorsport people, so I think it’s going to be a great experience.”
Sprints President Tricia Chant said the event’s organisers were honoured Bowe had accepted its invitation.
“John Bowe is truly a legend. He’s won countless titles in a long career and is still racing at the front, and he’s tremendously popular with fans,” she said.
“John, Dick Johnson, Colin Bond, Fred Gibson and some more Legends we’ll announce soon will attend the Sprints on both days and I know will get a warm welcome from everyone.
“After Covid forced the cancellation of last year’s event, there’s great excitement about our return among everyone from competitors and spectators to exhibitors and officials.
“It’s going to be a wonderful celebration of motorsport and motoring in our historic little town.”
