Next month’s Historic Leyburn Sprints will welcome more Australian motor sport royalty to the bill with Bathurst winners Dick Johnson and Fred Gibson set to attend.

 

The duo will participate in a number of meet-and-greet activities with fans during the Australian Grand Prix 70th anniversary celebrations, joining fellow ‘60s and ‘70s touring car drivers Colin Bond, John French, Kevin Bartlett and Bill Gates.

 

While the visit will be the first time Gibson attends the event, Johnson has made regular appearances at the sprints with the 74-year-old getting occasional drives in the NASCAR-powered Ford Falcon XY GT on the round-the-houses course.

 

The Sprint’s organising committee President Tricia Chant was thrilled the have both icons confirm their attendance for the event.

 

“We’re thrilled that Dick Johnson and Fred Gibson are coming to the Historic Leyburn Sprints,” Chant said.

 

“Both had huge parts in the history of Australian touring car racing as drivers and team owners and have been recognised for their achievement with induction into the Supercars Hall of Fame.

 

“Dick started racing in a Holden FJ in 1964. After switching to Fords he won five Australian Touring Car Championships and three Bathurst 1000 races and remains in the Supercars championship with his DJR Team Penske. he needs no introduction to fans everywhere.

 

There are also a host of other stars from the past who have recently confirmed their attendances with Brian Michelmore, Jim Bertram, Bruce Richardson, Don Holland, Bruce Allison, John English and event promoter David Harding.

 

Like Johnson and Gibson, the drivers will be involved in a number of activities throughout the weekend including parade laps on both days and guest-judging the Shannons Show ‘n’ Shine and Vintage Caravan competitions.

 

The Historic Leyburn Sprints will take place in Leyburn on 17-18 August.