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The Australian Supercars Championship continued its momentum from its successful debut in 2022 as it celebrated its Indigenous round on Larrakia Country over the weekend. Despite the previous accolades, the championship showed no signs of slowing down, attracting over 40,000 spectators who flocked to the Darwin Triple Crown for three days of thrilling action.
The Hidden Valley Raceway provided the stage for a diverse range of races, including the Superbikes, Porsche Carrera Cup, Aussie Racing Cars, Combined Sedans, and Nitro Up North drag racing. The excitement of the event was not dampened by an incident in the opening race, where Cam Waters' Mustang caught fire early on. However, it was Mark Winterbottom who emerged triumphant, securing his first victory since 2016 in the first Supercars championship race of the weekend. Broc Feeney and Jack Le Brocq claimed victory in the second (season race 14) and third (race 15) races, respectively, both earning a spot in the top ten of the season leaderboard.
To commemorate this now-annual event on the racing calendar, all drivers adorned their vehicles with Indigenous-art inspired decals, showcasing their support and appreciation for Indigenous culture. The successful execution of the Triple Crown was made possible by the efforts of the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC).
According to Suzana Bishop, the chief executive of NTMEC, the action-packed weekend provided non-stop entertainment for motorsports enthusiasts. Some lucky fans were even granted the unique opportunity to experience a hot lap with a Supercars driver or a pillion ride with an Australian Superbikes rider, creating unforgettable memories. Additionally, a few fortunate attendees were selected to join the Grid Walk, allowing them to get up close to the cars and drivers.
The weekend's festivities spanned over five days, commencing with the Night Transporter Convoy on Wednesday and the Driver and Rider Signing Session on Thursday. This comprehensive lineup of events solidified Darwin's reputation as the ultimate destination for world-class, family-friendly entertainment.
The Supercars' Indigenous round received international recognition at the Eventex awards last year, earning the prestigious bronze awards for the best cultural event and best positive change event categories. With the success of this year's celebration, the Indigenous Round is set to return to Larrakia Country in 2024, promising another remarkable showcase of motorsport excellence intertwined with cultural appreciation.
Read the full article here.
Photo Courtesy National Indigenous Times
Courtesy National Indigenous Times
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