Thousands attend Darwin Triple Crown
The betr Darwin Triple Crown Supercars Indigenous Round was the perfect wintery escape for motorsport fans with 36 percent of visitors coming from interstate to soak up the action and Darwin’s perfect weather.
Fans enjoyed three days of non-stop racing from the Supercars, Porsche Carrera Cup, Touring Car Masters, Tyrepower V8 SuperUtes, Combined Sedans and Nitro Up North, in one of the country’s most unique destinations. Across the three days almost 40,000 attendances were recorded.
The Australian-first, Track to Town saw all 25 Supercars drive down the streets in convoy from Hidden Valley Raceway to Darwin Esplanade on Thursday where they stopped for a drivers’ signing. Hundreds of fans turned up to meet their favourite drivers and get up-close views of the parked cars and their stunning Indigenous liveries.
Supercars CEO Shane Howard said the Indigenous Round holds a special place in the Supercars calendar, and it’s one of the most eagerly anticipated events each year.
“We are incredibly proud to have once again supported the betr Darwin Triple Crown Supercars, with Sunday’s race marking the 75th Supercars race held at Hidden Valley,” Mr Howard said.
“We want to extend our gratitude to the Northern Territory Government and the Northern Territory Major Events Company for their continued support and for providing a platform where we can create such memorable experiences on and off the track.
“From the huge crowd that welcomes our transporters and Supercars wrapped in their Indigenous liveries to the amazing reception we receive from fans around Hidden Valley, the success of this event is a testament to the collaboration between Supercars, the government, and all our partners.
“We are also thrilled by the success and spectacle of the inaugural Darwin Track to Town, which added a new dimension to the excitement of this year’s event.”
Red Bull AMPOL Racing’s Broc Feeney dominated the weekend winning back-to-back races at Hidden Valley. Feeney won Race 11 on Saturday and won from pole on Sunday in Race 12, marking the 75th Supercars race held at Hidden Valley. Feeney missed claiming the Darwin Triple Crown by just over 0.2 seconds. Porsche Carrera Cup Championship leader Harri Jones won Round 3, while Aaron Borg won Race 3 and 4 in the Tyrepower V8 SuperUtes Series.
When not at the track, drivers, teams and visitors alike enjoyed exploring Darwin and surrounds. The teams took the opportunity to explore to Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks, jump on a fishing tour as well as visit Croc Cove and Crocodylus Park.
The Darwin Supercars is delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC). CEO Suzana Bishop said it was a massive weekend at Hidden Valley, with the betr Darwin Triple Crown attracting nearly 40,000 attendances over the three days.
“The strong attendance by racing fans capped off a busy five days including the popular Night Transporter Convoy and the Australian-first Track to Town. It was amazing to watch all the Supercars wrapped in their Indigenous liveries rumble into town,” Mrs Bishop said.
“The consistent feedback I received from the drivers, teams, owners and visitors is that Darwin is their favourite event on the Supercar calendar because of how friendly and fun it is. Drivers and teams also enjoyed exploring Darwin from swimming under waterfalls to meeting a few crocodiles in perfect sunny weather.”
Indigenous culture was once again front and centre as the event celebrated Australia’s Aboriginal heritage, making it unique in motorsports. That included Supercars and V8 SuperUtes liveries featuring stunning artwork by Indigenous artists from around the country.
In addition, the Darwin Round was the only Supercars event Racing Together, an initiative that helps Indigenous youth pursue a career in motorsports, participate in. Brisbane-based drivers Kade Davey, 15, and Karlai Warner, 17 raced in the Combined Sedans category aided by Territory Indigenous mechanics.