Indy champ feels right at home leading a parade

It was a long time between pit stops, but Toowoomba's latest world sporting champion IndyCar driver Will Power was pleased to pull in for the 65th Carnival of Flowers on Saturday in Australia.

Along with Grand Central centre manager Shaine Beverage, Mayor Paul Antonio and Member for Toowoomba South Dr John McVeigh, Mr. Power secured pole position for the official ribbon cutting ceremony which signaled the start of the floral parade.

"I can't remember the last time I was here at the Carnival of Flowers," Mr. Power said.

"I think it might have been when I was a kid.

"The (IndyCar racing) season usually goes into October so I'm not able to be here, but it's great to be back."

Mr. Power accompanied carnival ambassador Libby Coghlan in an open top Cadillac for the parade.

The parade proved to be among the best ever with tens of thousands of people lining the route from downtown Toowoomba to Queens Park.

A perfect spring day of bright sunshine and a light breeze welcomed the large throng as a parade of 46 exhibits including 26 carnival floats filed past an enthusiastic crowd.