Night race plan for Darwin Triple Crown revealed

Supercars will charge into the night at the Top End, with the championship set to race under lights at the 2027 betr Darwin Triple Crown.

As revealed on MotorRacing360, the 2027 Darwin Triple Crown will feature two races under the lights.

In a major development regarding the future of the popular Hidden Valley round, the Friday race will be held under lights, followed by a Saturday twilight race and Sunday daytime race.

Final scheduling will be confirmed in due course.

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,” Minister Boothby said.

“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 as we restore our lifestyle.”

Supercars Executive Chairman and interim CEO Barclay Nettlefold says the addition of night racing will instantly make the Darwin event a feature of the 2027 Supercars calendar.

“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,” Nettlefold said.

“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.

“As we look ahead to a huge 2026 event this weekend, we know fans will already be excited about what’s to come in 2027 and the first-ever Supercars night race in the NT.”

Supercars has contested championship rounds in Darwin each year since 1998, including a double header in 2020.

Hidden Valley Raceway will become just the fifth circuit to host a night race in ATCC/Supercars Championship history, after Sydney Motorsport Park, Wanneroo Raceway, Yas Marina Circuit and Calder Park.

The news marks an exciting evolution of Supercars’ annual visit to the Northern Territory. In 2026, Supercars will race on all three days of the event for the first time.

The coveted Triple Crown, which has been contested since 2006, has from 2025 been awarded to the driver who scores the most points across the three races.

Team transporters arrived in style Wednesday night in the annual Transporter Convoy, with a Track to Town set to wow fans on Thursday night before racing begins on Friday.

This weekend’s event is also Supercars’ annual Indigenous Round, and will see all 24 Supercars dressed in unique indigenous-themed liveries, featuring artwork designed by indigenous artists.

Live coverage of the betr Darwin Triple Crown can be followed on Foxtel and Kayo from Friday.