Dates locked in for 2022 Merlin Darwin Triple Crown

Supercars, Northern Territory Government and Northern Territory Major Events Company have confirmed the 2022 Merlin Darwin Triple Crown will run across June 17-19.

Hidden Valley Raceway will again host three days of bumper motorsport action, and Darwin’s 26th Repco Supercars Championship event.

The support line-up will be headlined by the Australian Superbikes, S5000 and Combined Sedans.

The popular Nitro Up North Drag Racing event will feature on both nights across the weekend, with the Australian Top Fuel Championship finals lighting up Friday and Saturday night.

General admission tickets are now on sale for the 2022 Merlin Darwin Triple Crown.

Fans can purchase three days of action for the price of one during the event’s Black Friday sale, with 3-Day Hot Pass for $89.

The deal starts at 7:30am (ACST) Friday November 26, until midnight (ACST) Monday November 29.

It comes after this year’s blockbuster Merlin Darwin Triple Crown, with more than 38,000 fans flocking to Hidden Valley Raceway.

The weekend included the biggest Friday ever, with over 10,000 people attending.

In a first for the event and the sport, the 2022 Merlin Darwin Triple Crown becomes the official Indigenous Round of the Supercars championship.

Next year’s event will celebrate the Larrakia land on which the event takes place.

Organisers will work with Traditional Owners to ensure a Larrakia flavour for the event.

The official Indigenous Round artwork, designed by Larrakia artist Trent Lee, was unveiled at the 2021 Merlin Darwin Triple Crown.

Tim Watsford, CEO of event organiser Northern Territory Major Events Company, said after a bumper event in 2021, 2022 is looking just as exciting.

“The Merlin Darwin Triple Crown is always a favourite with motorsports fans,” he said.

“Thousands of people flock to Hidden Valley Raceway each year to soak up three days of action and experience everything the Top End has to offer under our clear blue skies.

“This event is a standout of the Championship for the experience spectators get and will be even more unique this year as the official Indigenous Round.

“In another first, we’ve also got two nights of high-octane Nitro Up North action!”

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said the Darwin round is always special and will be even more so this year.

“The Northern Territory Major Events Company has put together a fantastic three-day program for our visit to the Top End in 2022. It will be fantastic to see thousands of fans trackside again in Darwin in June,” he said.

“Hidden Valley has a great history and bringing to life the first official Supercars Indigenous Round will add another great element for fans.”

Australian Top Fuel Director Andy Lopez added: “The fastest racing on the planet on the same program as the world’s toughest circuit racing, it’s unbelievable.”

“Whether you love motorsport on four wheels or two wheels, the only place you should be next June is at the Merlin Triple Crown in Darwin.”

Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle said Darwin is a dream destination for the event.

“The NT always turns it on for the ASBK Championship,” he said.

“Perfect weather, friendly locals, fantastic racing on a spectator-friendly circuit; it all adds up to a great weekend.

“The Merlin Darwin Triple Crown event featuring Supercars and Superbikes showcases all that is great in Australian motorsport and we can’t wait to get back there after the success of 2021’s event.

“The ASBK teams and riders always enjoy their trips to the Top End, and it’s a rare opportunity to combine racing at the elite level with a spot of fishing or a holiday!”

To secure your spot trackside visit www.darwinsupercars.com.au.

The 2022 Repco Supercars Championship field will return to the Northern Territory this weekend for the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown across June 17-19. Tickets are available here.