Countdown on to adrenalin charged weekend in Ipswich
06 April 2021
Three of the country’s biggest motorsport personalities will headline an adrenaline charged weekend in Ipswich when the inaugural Planes, Trains and Autos event is held on Saturday 1 May.
Planes, Trains and Autos, presented by RPQ Group, will be held from 9am to 4pm at The Workshops Rail Museum at North Ipswich to celebrate all things aviation, rail and autos.
Motorsport hero Craig Lowndes, two-time Dakar Rally and Red Bull Factory KTM Rally Team rider Toby Price and three-time World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss are locked in for the event.
An exciting line-up of military displays including Air Force Roulettes and warbird flypasts, interactive family-friendly activities as well as car, truck and motorcycle displays is also planned.
Entry is free, but tickets are essential due to COVID-Safe Event requirements and are available online at www.planestrainsautos.com.au
Mayor Teresa Harding said it is fantastic to welcome world-class athletes to the event.
“Planes, Trains and Autos pays tribute to our city’s rich history as the heartland of Queensland’s industrial development, while celebrating our present and future as a hub for defence, logistics and advanced manufacturing,” Mayor Harding said.
“The event line-up, including Craig Lowndes, Toby Price, Troy Bayliss, military flypasts and a range of displays, builds on Ipswich’s status as a destination for not-to-be-missed iconic events.”
In a coup for the city, Planes, Trains and Autos has been officially designated as an Air Force 100 event in celebration of the Centenary of Air Force, meaning it is officially part of the Royal Australian Air Force’s efforts to mark 100 years of service to Australia.
Mayor Harding said it was fitting for Ipswich to play a significant part in Air Force 100 celebrations.
“Ipswich is home to our nation’s largest operational RAAF base at Amberley. We are a proud defence city that understands the sacrifices and service across generations made by the men and women of the Royal Australian Air Force and broader Defence Forces,” Mayor Harding said.
Highlights of Planes, Trains and Autos include:
Motorsport superstars
Hear from former Supercars racer and Australian sporting hero Craig Lowndes, together with three times World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss and two-time Dakar Rally champion Toby Price.
Fantastic flypast
See a display by the Roulettes, the Royal Australian Air Force’s formation aerobatic display team, and a unique warbird flypast featuring multiple aircraft undertaking manoeuvres.
RAAF Base Amberley celebration
See Air Force and Army vehicles on display and a F-111 module including nose, bay, engine, tail fin, fuel tank, missile training aid and flying suits from this iconic Air Force aircraft.
History that comes alive
Explore The Workshops Rail Museum through hands-on exhibitions, multi-media encounters and colourful stories that celebrate the story of rail in Ipswich and beyond.
Enthralling auto displays
See motorcycles through the ages, muscle cars, historic trucks and buses, emergency services vehicles, Air Force and Army machinery, drag cars and more.
Plenty for the family
Kids are spoilt for choice with the Nippers Railway adventure playground, interactive displays and hands on activities including launching your own bottle rocket, wind tunnels and more. Look out for Auto-bot Bumblebee and take a snap with the no ordinary yellow Volkswagen.
A trip to yesteryear
Take a heritage bus to Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway and ride the first public diesel hauled mixed freight train in 30 years. Tickets essential.
The full program for Planes, Trains and Autos is available at planestrainsautos.com.au
Alongside Planes, Trains and Autos, the popular Queensland Auto Spectacular at Willowbank Raceway will take place on the day following – Sunday 2 May.
It will include a huge swap meet, car and motorcycle displays, the Australian Rocker Cover Racing Championships and quarter-mile test and tune drags.
The 2021 Planes, Trains & Autos event is presented in partnership with RPQ Group and supported by The Workshops Rail Museum, Royal Australian Air Force, Willowbank Raceway, The Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway, Bremer Ford, Toyota Material Handling, 9News Queensland, and The Queensland Times.
Fast facts
What: Planes, Trains and Autos
When: 9am to 4pm, Saturday 1 May
Where: The Workshops Rail Museum, North Ipswich
Cost: Free, tickets essential, available from 6 April
More info: planestrainsautos.com.au
Media contact: 0408 997 965