INAUGURAL LONGFORD GRAND PRIX EXPO LAUNCHED FOR MARCH 2023

An expo will be held in Longford, Tasmania, on March 11-12 in 2023, celebrating the historical legacy of the legendary and infamous Longford Grand Prix which took place in the town between 1953 and 1969.

The expo had its launch on August 27, where the Hon Nic Street, Tasmanian Minister for Hospitality, Mary Knowles AM, and the Mayor of the Northern Midlands council, were all on-hand at Entally Estate in Hadspen to celebrate the occasion, along with media personality Neil Kearney.

L-R, Mary Knowles, Hon Nic Street, Jeremy Dickson, Neil Kearney at the Expo’s launch

Kearney was born and bred in Longford, and has witnessed many definitive motor-racing moments in the Northern Tasmanian town, and has also authored a soon-to-be released book on the history of Longford motor racing, to be showcased at the Expo in March.

The former annual race meeting attracted some of motorsport’s greatest names of the time/all-time, with Sir Jack Bradham, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Jim Clark, Brue McLaren, Leo Geoghegan, Bob Jane and Allan Moffat among a few of the most notable.

Stan Jones in his Maserati 250F on the way to winning the 1959 Australian Grand Prix, seen here passing the famously historical Pub Corner – Image: Our Tasmania website

The 7.2km road circuit was known for its high speeds, with a corner that passed under a viaduct, a short straight over a bridge, and around the historical Country Club Hotel, where spectators would be close to the action. 

During the 1965 running of the Tasman Cup series and the Australian Tourist Trophy for motorcycles saw one of the darkest days in the history of Australian motorsport occurred at Longford, when three pilots tragically lost their lives over one weekend.

The expo will be a nod to the past, repositioning Longford as a place of historical significance for Australian motorsport, and will provide fascinating insights from industry enthusiasts.

Graham Hill leads Jim Clark across Long Bridge in Lotus 49 Fords during the 1968 preliminary race – Image: Our Tasmania website

There will be immersive displays from industry professionals, a mini-MX (Motocross) course and auto workshops for younger attendees to learn and enjoy, as well as the launch of an educational program, STEM, which aims at exposing young minds to the wealth of opportunities available within automotive engineering and motorsport.

There will also be a showcase of the world’s finest past, present and future motor vehicles along with a showstopping line-up of entertainment, first class Tasmanian food and beverage, educational programs, children’s activities, and local touring options.

Jeremy Dickson, Chief Executive Officer for DX Industries Australia, and Andrew Collingridge, are leading the production of the inaugural Longford Grand Prix Expo

“With absolute support from  the Tasmanian Government and Events Tasmania, I am very proud to develop the Longford Grand Prix Expo within Northern Tasmania, building on the legacy of the world-famous history of motoring associated with this town,” Dickson said.

A 1960’s Lotus Cortina, on display at the launch

“The event will feature a fully immersive adventure into motor vehicles and mobility. Coupled with a range of educational, family-friendly and first-class hospitality activities, the vision is to create an internationally recognised event that will become a marquee visitor experience on the Tasmanian events calendar.”   

The Hon Nic Street, spoke at the launch, saying “The Government is pleased to be partnering with the Northern Midlands Council and the Northern Tasmania Development corporation to deliver this event. It’s also fantastic to hear that local groups such as Longford Men’s Shed and Rotary are coming on board to assist with the delivery of the weekend. 

“The Government is committed to supporting events that contribute to our visitor economy, especially when they encourage people into our regions. The Longford GPX is expected to do just that, and I look forward to the event in March.”

MAIN Image: Arnold Glass competing in the 1959 Australian Grand Prix in his Maserati 250F, leading John Roxburgh in a Cooper T41 Climax at The Viaduct – Image from ‘Our Tasmania’.

For more event information, visit www.longfordgrandprix.com.

Tickets can also be purchased from the website.