All the details for the 2023 Darwin Supercars at Hidden Valley
Excitement has shifted into top gear as the Darwin Supercars gears up for another massive event at Hidden Valley this weekend. Here’s everything you need to know.
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Whether it’s the truck convoy, driver signings or world-class racing action, there’s plenty for revheads to enjoy as the Supercars take over the Top End.
Motorsport fans from across the country are expected to fly in for one of the Territory’s marquee events based at Hidden Valley from June 16 to 18.
And once again the Darwin round of the country’s premier racing event will also serve as the Indigenous round with artwork to be proudly displayed across racer’s liveries.
Starting off the action is the iconic Night Transporter Convoy on Wednesday night which will roll through Palmerston for the first time in its history.
Supercars drivers will be present for a fan signing at the Darwin Waterfront on Thursday before the three days of racing kicks into gear on Friday.
Territorians will be out in number to support their favourite drivers whether that’s local Bryce Fullwood or the adopted Dave Reynolds who is married to Darwin’s own Tahan Lew-Fatt.
Aside from the Supercars there will also be the Australian Superbikes, Porsche Carrera Cup, Aussie Racing Cars, Combined Sedans, Nitro Up North and the Top Fuel Championship Grand Final.
Major Events Minister Paul Kirby said it was great to have Australia’s Indigenous culture combined with the iconic Darwin event.
“The Darwin Triple Crown is one of the largest events in the NT and it’s great to see Australia’s rich Indigenous culture intertwined with this popular event,” he said.
“The Indigenous Round adds an extra dimension to our Supercars event which is always jam-packed with motorsports action.
“This year includes the ASBK Superbikes, Porsche Carrera Cup, Aussie Racing Cars, Combined Sedans, and two nights of Nitro Up North featuring the Australian Top Fuel Championships.”
NT Major Events Company chief executive Suzana Bishop said she was also excited to have the event back for what promised to be another massive weekend.
“It’s great to see the Betr Darwin Triple Crown back in 2023, with a fantastic on and off track program for fans to enjoy,” she said.
“This incredible event continues to punch above its weight each year, with thousands of motorsports fans making the pilgrimage to the NT to take advantage of our endless summer.
“Events such as the Betr Darwin Triple Crown provide significant social and economic benefits for our entire community and offer unique experiences for spectators.”
A three day Hot Pass costs $119 while one day tickets are also available for purchase at www.darwinsupercars.com.au.
June 14 – Supercars arrive in town
The ever-popular Night Transporter Convoy will once again be a must-see in 2023.
Hundreds congregate around Raintree Park in the Darwin CBD every year to watch the big rigs come blaring through, officially announcing the arrival of the Supercars.
And for the first time this year the trucks will be passing through Palmerston as part of a new route from Hidden Valley to Darwin.
Entertainment will start at Raintree Park from 4pm and end at 7.30pm.
June 15 – Signing session
Thursday is the perfect time for racing fans to get up close and personal with their favourite Supercars drivers and Superbikes riders.
Event merchandise will be on sale alongside a special Nitro Up North display at the Darwin Waterfront from 4pm.
The drivers and riders will come down for a special Saltwater Welcome to Country ceremony before picking up their pens for a fan signing session.
The Nitro drivers will also be available at a welcome party at the Precinct Tavern.
Later in the evening, Darwin’s first Supercars driver Bryce Fullwood will be joined by Scott Pye, Mark Winterbottom, Mike Jones and Steve Martin for a charity night at Rydges Palmerston.
All proceeds from the event, which starts at 6.30pm, will go towards the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre and Motorsports Juniors.
June 16 – The racing begins
By Friday, the pleasantries are out of the way, leaving only one thing left to do — race.
Gates open at 7.30am for a jam-packed day, whether it’s off-track entertainment or a feast of burning rubber on the track.
The combined sedans are the first to hit the raceway from 8.10am with 15-year-old Darwin girl Dakota Masters among the racers in a Hyundai Excel.
Then it’s the turn of the country’s fastest two-wheeled racers with the Australian Superbikes also dipping into the action.
Aussie Racing Cars, the Porsche Carrera Cup and the Top Doorslammers will also have their turns in the spotlight throughout the day.
The Supercars hit the road for the first time at 10.45am and there will be plenty of eyes on Will Davison who last year broke the practice/qualifying lap record at Hidden Valley.
June 17 – Supercars Race One
The Darwin Triple Crown officially kicks into gear on the Saturday with the first of three Supercars races.
There’s plenty of drivers in the mix to get their hands on either pole position or the title itself, including current series leader Brodie Kostecki of Coca-Cola Racing.
Last year’s trio of winners Anton De Pasquale, Cam Waters and Chaz Mostert are also all in the mix while the Territory’s own Bryce Fullwood will be wanting to impress in front of family.
Gates will open at 7am for the big day with fans getting another chance to meet the drivers at the Supercars Pit Lane Walk.
And of course, all the other divisions from the Porsche Carrera Cup to the Australian Superbikes will be in action as well.
Beyond the racing there’s plenty more entertainment, including what promises to be a sensational live performance from the renowned East Arrernte Band at the Track Centre.
June 18 – Races 2 and 3
Gates once again open at 7am for the third and final day of Supercars action with it all heating up as drivers chase championship points and important wins.
For the winner of the first race it will also be a chance to win the elusive Darwin Triple Crown, which goes to a driver who wins all three races.
It’s also the final day for the Australian Superbikes, Aussie Racing Cars, Porsche Carrera Cup and Combined Sedans with all events promising to dazzle spectators.
Fans will also be on the lookout for one of the marquee offerings of the off-track entertainment program with an F-35A jet set to fly over just after 3pm.
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