IPSWICH is set to attract more than $4 million to its economy by hosting two of its biggest sporting events this winter as part of the city’s 2025 Festival of Horsepower.
High-energy events play a crucial role in enhancing Ipswich’s reputation as a premier destination for adrenaline-fueled entertainment.
The Festival of Horsepower runs throughout the month of June, with both marquee events – the Winternationals from June 5-8 and the Ipswich Cup on Saturday, 21 June – serving as major attractions.
With nearly 17,000 attendees each year – more than 80 per cent of whom travel to Ipswich – the Winternationals is the largest drag racing championship held outside of the US, with the economic impact expected to exceed $3 million.
Willowbank Raceway Operations Manager Andrew Casos said the Winternationals played a crucial role in enhancing Ipswich’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting and cultural events.
“Attracting over 2000 racers and crew, along with more than 25,000 spectators from across Australia, New Zealand, and as far as the United States, the event showcases the city’s capacity to host high-profile competitions,” Mr Casos said.
“This not only drives tourism but also delivers a significant economic boost by increasing spending in hospitality, accommodation, and retail sectors.
“For local businesses, this kind of exposure translates into real economic gains – more visitors, higher spending, and greater recognition for Ipswich as a dynamic and thriving city.
“Beyond tourism, this broadcast solidifies Ipswich’s position as a premier events destination, ensuring continued growth and opportunity for years to come.”
Meanwhile, Ipswich Turf Club CEO Nathan Exelby said the Ipswich Cup was one of the biggest racing events in Queensland, ranked second to only the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast in terms of the number of patrons it attracts.
“Cup Day is entrenched in the psyche of annual visitors, so it’s important not to tinker with its success too much,” Mr Exelby said.
“The infield festival and trackside marquees continue to be sought-after tickets every year.
“But the Club acknowledges the importance to evolve, and to that end we have added a few new functions in 2025, including the Tempus Two Grange Gardens function, which is the highest-end offering we have ever had on Cup Day, with fine wines and delicious food.”
Mr Exelby said the Ipswich Cup was unashamedly a parochial event for Ipswich locals, but its reputation spread across the state and over borders.
“It’s a festival not just of racing, but having a great time,” he said.
“That’s why it’s consistently one of the most popular racing events on the calendar.
“The Ipswich Cup has been estimated to bring one million dollars in benefit to the local economy each year, in addition to the significant money spent by the club – much of it locally – in putting on the event.
“That’s a major boost each year for local business operators.”
Ipswich City Council Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine noted that large events like the Winternationals and Ipswich Cup played a critical role in making 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.
“They also contribute to our sense of community.”
