Council backs a couple of winners at Ipswich race tracks
01 April 2025
The races are on in Ipswich this winter – and Ipswich City Council is along for the ride.
Two of the city’s biggest sporting events – the TAB Ipswich Cup and Gulf Western Oil Winternationals – will benefit from council sponsorship as they attract thousands of attendees in June as part of the city’s month-long 2025 Festival of Horsepower.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said supporting these events boosts Ipswich’s reputation as a must-visit destination for adrenaline-fuelled and high-octane fun.
“Ipswich Cup is one of Queensland’s favourite race days, so the decision to extend council’s long-running support with a $20,000 sponsorship for Ipswich Turf Club to host the 2025 event is certainly a safe bet,” Mayor Harding said.
“As one of the most popular events on the Queensland Racing Carnival program, it continues to attract thousands of visitors to our city every year and delivers a boost of well over $1 million to our economy.
“Winternationals – the largest championship drag racing event held outside of the United States of America – is attended by almost 17,000 each year, with more than 80 per cent of spectators travelling into our city.
“The visitors to our region will dine at our restaurants and cafes, stay at our accommodation providers and shop at our retailers.
“The economic benefit of Winternationals to Ipswich is expected to be over $3 million, so council is proud to provide Willowbank Raceway a sponsorship of $35,000 to host the event this year.”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said big events such as Ipswich Cup and Winternationals make Ipswich a destination city.
“We had a record two million visitors to Ipswich during the year to 30 September 2024, which was a 34 per cent increase on the previous year, and this is in no small part due to our city’s amazing events,” Cr Augustine said.
“But it’s not just the economic benefit to our community that make these events so important – they also contribute to our sense of community and help build Ipswich’s reputation as an exciting place to live.
“Whether it be punters having a go, the glitz and glamour of Fashions on the Field or the ear muff-clad kids in the grandstands at the drag races, our city continues to be a place where people can enjoy themselves and have unforgettable experiences.
“And for those unable to attend in person, Ipswich will be showcased on the national, if not international stage, with both events broadcast on television and streaming platforms.”
Winternationals will be held at Willowbank from 5-8 June, while Ipswich Cup will be held at Ipswich Turf Club on Saturday 21 June.
Both are marquee events for the Festival of Horsepower, which runs from 1-30 June.
For more details, visit the Ipswich Festivals and Discover Ipswich websites.