Race week celebrations locked in for Indigenous Round

The Merlin Darwin Triple Crown, which in 2022 will be the first official Supercars' Indigenous Round, will feature a number of special elements to celebrate First Nations people, and pay respect to the Larrakia people on whose land the event takes place.

The event will be delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) on behalf of the Northern Territory Government.

The Merlin Darwin Triple Crown will feature two Welcome to Country ceremonies; one at the Night Transporter Convoy on Wednesday June 15, and one on the grid on Sunday June 19.

Three team members from Racing Together, a program that identifies future indigenous drivers, race team members or officials, will attend the event.

The Racing Together driver will compete in the Combined Sedans category.

The driver/rider signing at Darwin Waterfront on Thursday June 16 will feature a Saltwater Ceremony by Larrakia Elder Dr Richard Fejo.

A 70m-long artwork designed by Trent Lee and Jason Lee is being painted on the Gravel Trap wall at Hidden Valley Raceway.

It will feature the crocodile, a main totem for Larrakia people, which symbolises strength, patience and endurance, and a barramundi, an important Top End food source.

Lee also designed the event artwork and Darwin Triple Crown Trophy.

Several Australian Superbike teams will also incorporate Aboriginal artwork into their motorcycle decals or rider suits and helmets.

NTMEC CEO Tim Watsford said: "The prestigious Darwin Triple Crown trophy has been recreated as a traditional shield by Larrakia artist Trent Lee, who designed the official Indigenous Round artwork, and the rest of the trophies will be didgeridoos especially handcrafted by local artists.

"The Australian Superbike trophies feature Trent’s artwork, and Trent has also designed the volunteer and officials shirts."

Supercars CEO Shane Howard added: "Supercars and the NT Government, through Northern Territory Major Events Company, have a fantastic relationship and we are thrilled to be able to implement Supercars’ first Indigenous Round in 2022.

"The teams have embraced this great initiative and we can’t wait to see the first-ever grid filled with indigenous-themed liveries when we race at Hidden Valley in June."

Purchase your Merlin Darwin Triple Crown tickets now.