Courtney showcases V8 Supercars

Northern Territory Chief Minster Adam Giles has always been self-confessed motorsport fan.

While he has declared his passion for the V8 Supercars SKYCITY Triple Crown event at Hidden Valley, one thing Giles has not had the chance to do is jump in one of the beasts - until yesterday.

And now he has laid down the challenge for other state leaders to hop into the passenger seat - if they have the courage.

Thanks to Holden Racing Team and Championship contender James Courtney, NT's Chief Minster had the opportunity to experience what a V8 Supercar is really like.

"it's given me a biggest taste for V8 Supercars... It was pretty fast!" Giles said excitedly, after jumping from the #22.

"I don't know how much faster James can go -it was pretty fast.

"I was surprised by the lateness of the braking, sliding around the corners was fantastic -I actually didn't think he'd go that hard, but it was fantastic."

The Hidden Valley circuit has a top speed of approximately 260kmh down the main straight, and the hard braking into turn one was one of the highlights of the track for Giles.

"I think it was the first corner and the straight, jumping on the pedals and pulling it up very quickly," Giles said of his favourite part of the circuit.

"And then the way that it floats through the chicane coming down the backside of the course was quite exciting...

"If James drives anything like that in the actual race he'll be a chance of winning the race!"

The SKYCITY Triple Crown event is one of the favourites on the V8 Supercars calendar and is locked in until 2018.Giles is keen to ensure the category returns to the Top End for even more years to come.

"We're looking to extend that into the long-term to really cement the V8 Supercar race in the Territory's landscape in the future.

"And I think an opportunity for myself and others to experience what it's like behind a V8 Supercar - I really salute the guys.

"The experience really showcases the true sportsmanship of the drivers and how good you have to be to go out there and jump in a car."

After the run with Courtney -who scored an ARMOR ALL Pole Position at Hidden Valley last year - Giles agreed he'd be in the HRT star's corner this weekend.

"I will be definitely cheering for James...It'd be really good to present James with the trophy at the end of this weekend.

"I think fundamentally the Northern Territory is the winner for having this Hidden Valley race event and I look forward to a good, safe weekend - and also, bring on 2015!"

Giles will spend the weekend trackside for the SKYCITY Triple Crown.

Courtney ended practicethird overall and sits fifth in the Championship.