Supercars to race at night in Darwin

The Repco Australian Supercars Championship will expand its night racing programme next year, adding racing under lights to the Darwin Triple Crown at Hidden Valley. Currently, night races in Supercars are only held at Sydney Motorsport Park, but the category has raced under lights at other venues in the past, including Wanneroo (Barbagallo) and Calder Park.

Darwin has been a fixture on the Supercars calendar since 1998, but the 2027 round will mark the first time Supercars will hold a night race in the Northern Territory. The provisional three-race programme for the 2027 Darwin Triple Crown will feature two races under lights at Hidden Valley, plus a daytime race. Subject to change, Friday’s race in the Triple Crown will be held under lights, followed by a Saturday twilight race and Sunday daytime race.

It’s hoped that night racing will eliminate the heat exhaustion issues that impacted some drivers at this year’s Darwin round.

“Adding night racing to the Darwin Triple Crown is a major evolution for an event that is already a favourite among our fans, teams and drivers,” said Supercars Executive Chairman and interim CEO Barclay Nettlefold.

“There is nothing quite like Supercars under lights — the noise, the energy and the atmosphere create an incredible spectacle — and bringing that energy to the Territory in 2027 will make the Darwin Triple Crown one of the standout events of the season.”

NT’s Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, and Minister for Major Events, Marie-Clare Boothby, said the Territory was leading the way when it comes to motorsports and major events.

“The Territory is absolutely in pole position – there’s nowhere better for motorsports and major events, and next year we’re taking it up another level.

“Twilight races and night races will unlock a raft of opportunities for Territorians and visitors to enjoy all we have to offer: sunset markets and hospitality venues, parks and one-of-a-kind events.

“There’s nowhere like the Territory, and once again, the Darwin Supercars absolutely prove that to be true.

“In our year of growth, certainty and security, we are continuing to back local, sport and major events.”