Blockbuster Merlin Darwin Triple Crown weekend

The return of the Repco Supercars Championship to Darwin proved a major hit.

The weekend's Merlin Darwin Triple Crown attracted more than 38,000 attendances as fans flocked to Hidden Valley Raceway.

The weekend included the biggest Friday ever, with over 10,000 people turning up. The second largest Friday crowd on record was 7000 in 2003.

Seven's Sunday Supercars coverage reached 1.48m national viewers (898,000 metro, with the broadcast averaging 293,000 national viewers (164,000 metro) across the full day.

WATCH: RACE 14 RECAP

The morning Race 13 averaged 249,000, with Race 14 with 388,000 viewers.

Seven’s ‘race only' Darwin telecast audience was 18 per cent on the 2020 audience.

7plus also streamed 878,000 minutes for Sunday’s action, with with 394,000 during Races 13 and 14.

129,000 tuned in for Race 14 on Fox, with 101,000 watching Race 13.

The weekend itself was a hit for fans; Bernard Fanning headlined the Saturday evening concert supported by Ball Park Music and the Territory’s own DRAFTDAY and Phoebe Olivia.

WATCH: RACE 13 RECAP

"This event has proven to be a massive hit for locals and a major tourism drawcard for interstate visitors to the Top End," Minister for Major Events Natasha Fyles said.

"We have seen thousands of spectators who have had a blast over this three-day jam-packed event which has put Darwin in the national spotlight.

"More than 50 drivers and riders came from all over Australia to the Top End for this event, bringing support crews with them.

"That means more people are filling our hotel rooms and enjoying everything the Territory has to offer."

Supercars COO Shane Howard added: "Thanks to all our loyal and passionate fans who make this event what it is.

"Thank you also to the Northern Territory Government and Northern Territory Major Events Company for putting together another memorable weekend here in the Top End.

"It’s fantastic to see thousands of fans trackside again and this year there has been something for everyone here in Darwin.

"Hidden Valley has a great history and tradition, and making this event Supercars’ official Indigenous Round will add another great element for the future."