The roar of engines will echo across the Mount Morgan Range this weekend as 130 competitors battle the clock in the return of the Gold Rush Hill Sprint.
Featuring 26 twists and turns, the iconic course is renowned as Australia's longest hill sprint and one of the country's most technically demanding tarmac racing events.
Rockhampton Regional Council is proud to support this year's event with $10,000 in funding through the Community Assistance Program.
Divisional Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the Gold Rush Hill Sprint was an important event on the region's calendar, welcoming drivers and spectators from right around the country.
"It's very exciting to see the Gold Rush Hill Sprint return for another year," Cr Rutherford said.
"Council is always proud to support this event because it brings so much joy and excitement and is such a unique event in our community.
"Events like this are so important to our community because not only does it benefit people's well-being by bringing people together, but it supports local businesses by having people stay in our hotels, eating in our pubs and cafes, and shopping in our stores."
Central Queensland Motor Sporting Club Vice President and Gold Rush Hill Spring Clerk of Course Aaron Black said the 2026 event was ramping up to be one of the best yet.
Mr Black said this year's event would include a street parade of the competing vehicles through Mount Morgan on Friday, 17 July.
"That first event (in 2018) attracted around 75 competitors and more than 1,600 spectators, demonstrating strong support from both the motorsport community and locals," Mr Black said.
"Since then, the event has grown steadily, regularly attracting more than 100 competitors and race teams from across Australia.
"Central Queensland Motor Sporting Club is very grateful for the continued support from all our sponsors. The Rockhampton Regional Council has been a fundamental aspect of the events success as they have continued to support and back the Gold Rush from the beginning. For this our club and dedicated team of volunteers are forever grateful."
The Gold Rush Hill Sprint festivities will kick off on Friday, 17 July with a street parade through Mount Morgan from 3pm until 5pm.
Racing will kick off from 7am on Saturday, 18 July.
