The Hon Nic Street, Tasmanian Minister for Hospitality and Events along with Mary Knowles AM, Mayor of Northern Midlands Council were onsite this morning at Entally Estate in Hadspen for the launch of the inaugural Longford Grand Prix Expo.
Taking place in March 2023, the Expo will showcase an immersive display of the world’s finest past, present and future motor vehicles.
Jeremy Dickson, Chief Executive Officer, DX Industries said, “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. 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 MP, Tasmanian Minister for Hospitality and Events said, “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.”
The Longford Grand Prix Expo will feature a selection of Tasmania’s and Australia’s finest privately held gold-plated collector grade cars and bikes, models of the world’s most covetable automobiles, past auto-racing vehicles, future focused technologies with the addition of modern day, ranging from off-road electric to the latest models of two-wheel vehicles.
Coupled with Tasmania’s finest automobiles will be a line-up of first-class Tasmanian food and beverage offerings, immersive displays from industry professionals, to a mini-MX course and auto workshops for younger attendees to enjoy.
To coincide with the range of interactive children’s activities, Longford Grand Prix will launch their educational program, STEM, specifically targeted at youth at the Expo. Aimed to expose young minds to the incredible opportunities available within automotive engineering and motorsport through various collaborations with industry experts showcasing the evolution of automobiles.
The launch was hosted by media personality, author, Neil Kearney, a born and bred Longford Local who has witnessed many definitive motor-racing moments in the Northern Tasmanian town. Kearney has written a soon to be released book on the history of Longford motor racing, which will be showcased at the Expo in March.
The expo will build on the legacy of the Longford Grand Prix Expo that prevailed from 1953 through to 1969, the former annual racing meeting that once was the biggest event of its kind on the island, attracting 40,000 + crowds and comparable to the world-renowned motor racing events of Goodwood and Monaco.
The historical race attracted premium Grand Prix drivers of the 1950s and 1960s including Sir Jack Bradham, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Jim Clark, Brue McLaren, Leo Geoghegan, Bob Jane and Allan Moffat, who all exceeded speeds up to 288km/h over the 7.2km racetrack.
With a nod to the past, presenting an experiential journey into the future, the Expo will reposition Longford as the home of Australia’s motorsport, mobility intelligence and a fascinating insight from industry enthusiasts.
Located within the Village Green, the DX Suite will offer guests an elevated Expo experience; from prime viewing, access to motorsport royalty, sumptuous all-day canapes and sparkling wine on arrival, with the option of a paid premium beverage package available at the bar.
South of Tasmania’s second largest city, Launceston, Longford is surrounded by picturesque country estates and wineries, with the town’s main street offering convict-era buildings and grand estates on the outskirts.
The Longford Grand Prix Expo offers access to the best locations in Tasmania with a range of pre-routed trips to tour the hot spots over the weekend. Stay in style at Tasmania’s best bed and breakfasts, while only a short 10-minute drive from a range of luxury hotels in Launceston.
Longford Grand Prix Expo will take place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 March 2023, from 9am to 5pm.
Tickets are available via Oztix https://www.longfordgrandprix.com/tickets from September.
Please visit the Longford Grand Prix Website for further information.
