Amos gets a perfect 10 in Leyburn
The Historic Leyburn Sprints put on another great show in 2025, where Dean Amos took his enjoyment of the event to new heights.
Amos has long been the dominant driver of the 29th edition of the event, celebrating the 1949 Australian Grand Prix
But this year he drove his Gould GR55B open-wheel car to a decisive 10th outright win in a row.
The two-time Australian Hillclimb Champion’s love affair with the 1km layout continued as he posted a 40.163s time.
Amos missed beating his 2019 record by eight tenths, but felt that feat was possible without three-year old tyres due to a shortage of his preferred Pirelli tyres.
However, he is still thrilled to lift the Col Furness Memorial Trophy.
“I drove as hard as I could – I don’t come here to finish second,” Amos said.
“The car was nice this weekend and I was happy with my time. But the tyres are at least three years old and I’ve already done two Australian championships on them.
“If I’d had better tyres I would have had a crack at the record, for sure.”
Behind Amos was Warwick Hutchinson, taking best of the rest honours, having been 2.5s back in his OMS 28.
Ross Mackay completed the podium as none of the top three could improve their times in the Top 10 Shootout.
The Sprints attracted a record 250 cars, ranging in vintage from 1924 to 2024 with crowds exceeding 15,000 and the likes of Dick Johnson, Warwick Brown, Bruce Allison, Kevin Bartlett, Charlie O’Brien and Bap Romano in attendance.
After a tight battle, Warwick’s Matthew Clift emerged as the fastest Historic car in 25th outright in his 54-year-old Mazda R100 Rotary, while the Sprints’ oldest driver was 85-year-old Justin McCarthy, in his 100-year-old Austin Seven Sports named Alfred.
“Our visitors enjoyed glorious Queensland winter weather and a feast of grassroots motorsport with an amazing variety of cars, plus some other wonderful attractions,” Sprints President Tricia Chant said.
“I spoke to some newcomers who were amazed at what this little town turns on – the size of the event and the atmosphere are unmatched.”
Image: Trapnell Creations/Supplied
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