Start Your Engines: Motorsport Events in the Southern Downs
Welcome to Warwick, the horsepower capital of Australia! The Southern Downs region features a jam-packed calendar of motorsport events and racing that will satisfy even the most dedicated racing fans. Whether you’re a lover of vintage cars or modern machines, the motorsports and car racing events offer something for everyone. Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the high-speed action of Australian car racing events in the Southern Downs.
Morgan Park Raceway: A Hub for High-Octane Motorsport Action
Morgan Park Raceway is one of Australia’s leading motorsport event venues and is no stranger to heart-pumping action. Every year, Morgan Park Raceway attracts hundreds of competitors and thousands of motorsport spectators to a variety of world-class motorsport and car racing events. Morgan Park Raceway hosts an array of exciting car races and motorsport events that you won’t want to miss.
Morgan Park Raceway Motorsport Events:
- Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK)
Date: Annually in June – July
Witness Australia’s best riders battle it out on the Morgan Park Raceway track in this thrilling round of the Australian Superbike Championship. High-speed action and tight competition makes this a must-see event for any motorsport fan. - Queensland Super Sprint Series (QSSS)
Date: Multiple rounds throughout the year
Hosted by the Warwick District Sporting Car Club, the Queensland Super Sprint Series is a standout event at Morgan Park Raceway. Unlike typical racing events, where the fastest lap determines the winner, the QSSS challenges race car drivers to achieve the best session performance over the weekend to climb the leaderboard. - Historics
Date: Various dates annually
The QLD Historic Motorcycle Road Racing Championship is an annual Historic motorcycle racing event organised by the QLD Early Motorcycle Sports Club Inc (QEMSC) which attracts entrants from all across Australia. The racing is restricted to motorcycles and sidecars manufactured between 1930 to 1999. This makes for thrilling action that is even more captivating than usual because the bikes are developed and maintained by enthusiasts. - Hyundai Australia N Fest
Date: Check online for dates and locations
The N Festival, open to all N owners and Nthusiasts, has played a pivotal role in engaging the Hyundai performance car community in Australia since the launch of the Hyundai i30 Hatch in 2019. The race event will take place over two exciting days and feature a variety of fun, family-friendly activities both on and off the racetrack, as well as in and around Warwick.
For a full list of events at Morgan Park Raceway, visit the official website.
Historic Leyburn Sprints: A Tribute to Racing’s Golden Era
The Historic Leyburn Sprints is one of the Southern Downs’ most iconic motorsport events, celebrating the region’s deep racing heritage. Set against the backdrop of the charming village of Leyburn, this event is a nod to the town’s racing past, specifically the 1949 Australian Grand Prix.
Event Details:
- Date: Annually in August
Get ready for the most significant motorsport race event in Queensland with a weekend of vintage cars, historic racing, and motorsport community spirit as vintage car competitors take to the streets of Leyburn. The Sprints attract thousands of visitors each year from all across Australia, offering a unique blend of motorsport, racing, and local culture. Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or just looking for a fun day out, the Leyburn Sprints promise excitement and entertainment for all ages.
Other Notable Motorsports and Racing Events in the Southern Downs
- Warwick Dragway – Located next to Morgan Park Raceway, the Dragway is Southeast Queensland’s premier 1/8 and 1/4 mile track, hosting events throughout the year.
- Sandy Creek Raceway– located just outside Warwick, this raceway is known to be one of the fastest tracks in Queensland. Home to Warwick Kart Club, Sandy Creek Raceway hosts at least one major race event per month.
- Allora Heritage Weekend
Date: Annually in January
Not strictly a racing event, but a must-visit for motorsport enthusiasts. The Allora Heritage Weekend showcases an impressive array of vintage cars, tractors, and machinery, offering a glimpse into the history of motoring and farming in the region.
Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, make sure to catch these thrilling race events and experience the best of what the region has to offer. From the roar of the engines to the cheering of the crowd, the Southern Downs is the place to be for motorsports.
While You’re Here
Make a weekend of it by checking out these other things to do in the area:
- National Park lover? Make sure you check out Sundown or Main Range National Park as well.
- If you’re travelling to Girraween from Brisbane you’ll drive right through Stanthorpe. Here’s a local’s guide on spending 24 hours there.
- Travelling in Spring or Summer? Here’s our top 7 must visit waterholes to check out.
- If you have the kids in tow, make sure you check out these 20 family activities in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.