Motorsport fans turn out in force for a full throttle first day of the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown

The sound of revving engines and screeching tyres echoed across a packed Hidden Valley Raceway on Saturday at the action-packed first day of the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown.

THE sound of revving engines and screeching tyres echoed across a packed Hidden Valley Raceway throughout an action-packed day of the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown.

Fans were back out in full force for another weekend of burning rubber and fierce competition and the action didn’t disappoint, with superbikes and supercars headlining the action of the day.

Territorian Bryce Fullwood had no shortage of hometown support with friends and family taking the opportunity to watch the second-year driver take to the Hidden Valley racetrack.

Local lad Bryce Fullwood flies by on the main straight at the Hidden Valley Raceway. Picture: Che Chorley

Oscar Kelly and Jake Dunn at the Hidden Valley Raceway. Picture: Che Chorley

Those supporters included Oscar Kelly and Jake Dunn, who were all too happy to catch up with the 23-year-old racer who had made his name as the first ever Darwinite to go full-time in the Supercars.

“Love it. It’s so laid-back, we can walk in and have a chat with the teams, it’s great,” Dunn said.

“My brother used to go karting and Bryce used to be there. He’s always been a good bloke, he’s a Darwin boy and we hope he does well out there.”

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Anton DePasquale clocks up his fastest qualifying lap at the Hidden Valley Raceway. Picture: Che Chorley

Aron Summers, Shanah Vanetie and Brady Felton at the Hidden Valley Raceway. Picture: Che Chorley

Aron Summers has been a regular at the Supercars since the age of three and was he once again soaking up the atmosphere, with friends Shanah Vanetie and Brady Fenton.

“I come every year, I’ve been coming since I was three years old and always love the experience,” Summers said.

“It’s a ripper weekend, particularly now with some beautiful weather. The beers are cold, the racing is great, it’s always a good time coming out here.”

Tim Slade gets his Mustang loose at the Hidden Valley Raceway. Picture: Che Chorley

Jenny Nelson, Montanna Damm and Heath Hamilton at the Hidden Valley Raceway. Picture: Che Chorley

Montanna Damm from Queensland was among many to have made the trip up to Darwin to watch the action.

And though she had made the trip several times before this time she made a special effort to see champion driver Jamie Whincup in his final year of racing.

“I’ve been to Darwin a few times, but made a special effort this year for Jamie Whincup’s final season,” she said.

“Darwin is beautiful, this weather is amazing. And now there’s some Supercars action on the track it’s even better.”