THE stage is set and the racers are ready to fire as the 20th annual Historic Leyburn Sprints kicks off a weekend packed full of action today.

Racers will pack the village of Leyburn this weekend to burn rubber and rub shoulders with fellow motoring enthusiast.

The annual racing weekend is the biggest event of the year for Leyburn residents and brings the whole township to life as the small community grows from fewer than 500 to an expected crowd of more than 15,000 people.

With the weather forecast set for sunshine and blue skies today, the stage is set for the biggest and best Leyburn Sprints event to date.

Race director Mike Collins is expecting a great turn out for the biggest event of the district and said there would be plenty of interest in the historical racing event.

"It brings an incredible amount of pride to the small community," Mr Collins said.

"There are a tremendous amount of cars with historical significance.

"The event brings a lot of money to the small town and I would like to thank the committee as a whole for all their hard work to make this event possible."

A number of not-for-profit groups travel to Leyburn each year and organisers rely on the hard work of such volunteers to run the event.

More than 200 historic and racing cars will light up the track and trackside with plenty on offer for all attending.

The Shannons Show 'n' Shine will showcase classic and modern cars of all kinds.

Entries are made on the spot so nobody knows what will turn up until it's there.

But spectators are guaranteed to see something wonderful, beautiful or fascinating among the dozens of great cars lined up in rows on the grass.

The vintage caravan show promises to be a hit showcasing Australian holiday touring heritage from 1960s classics to pre-war-style homes on wheels.

Live music by the Jon Skye Band will accompany the display, where awards will be given for best vintage display, quirkiest van and van-and-car combination.

Some of Australia's best known racing identities of past decades will address a sold-out crowd tonight at the inaugural legends dinner.

Each year the Historic Leyburn Sprints continues to outdo the previous year. Organisers achieve this by investing some event proceeds back into Leyburn to improve spectator, camping and safety facilities.

The event receives funding under the Queensland Events Regional Development Program and is supported by Southern Downs Regional Council.

Program Events

Competition: Today from 8am-5pm; and tomorrow from 8am-3pm

Legends dinner: Tonight at Leyburn's Royal Hotel

Shannons Show 'n' Shine: Tomorrow

Vintage caravan show: All weekend with judging at 1pm today