ENGINES roar, hooves thunder down the track, and Ipswich quite simply gives up any pretence of quiet living as June arrives and the Festival of Horsepower rolls full throttle into town.
The city is set to transform into a rolling collision of speed, spectacle and spectacle-adjacent chaos with a month-long program turning paddocks into grandstands, highways into humming anticipation zones, and race circuits into arenas.
It all kicks off early with the Winternationals Warm Up this weekend, where competitors gently introduce themselves by, apparently, shaking the earth and testing how much rubber can legally be turned into smoke before breakfast.
The 2026 Festival of Horsepower is headlined by celebrations for 160 years of the TAB Ipswich Cup, alongside other main events Gulf Western Oil Winternationals and the Australian Superbike Championship.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the city will be the epicentre of the racing world throughout June.
“Whether it’s two wheels, four wheels or four legs, Ipswich will be the place to be for those who love the thrill of racing with the sixth Festival of Horsepower in June,” Mayor Harding said.
“Since 1866, the Ipswich Cup has been beloved by our city as one of its most exciting events, as well as a key race meeting on the winter calendar.
“No city loves motorsport more than Ipswich and we are proud to once again host one of the world’s biggest drag-racing meets.”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Marnie Doyle said other Festival of Horsepower favourites are returning this year.
“More than 60,000 attended the Festival of Horsepower last year, with many coming from outside the city to take part in the festivities in a major boost for our tourism industry,” she said.
