June 17, 2016 10:28pm
HIDDEN VALLEY will host a V8 Supercar night race on its way to being the second longest serving venue when the existing agreement is extended to 2030.
The NT Government and Supercars have agreed to renew the existing sanction agreement to 2030. Only the iconic Bathurst 1000 will have hosted more races.
The new agreement will be signed today making it the V8 Supercars’ longest Government relationship spanning three decades.
Darwin will host its first night race in 2018 and have a five-year exclusivity as part of the new agreement. It will be the first time in 21 years a night race has been held in Australia.
No costings are available on lighting the track. Any infrastructure may be temporary depending on an assessment to be completed.
Chief Minister Adam Giles said a night race would be irresistible for prime-time TV viewing and a massive injection for tourism. The event already attracts more than 44,000 local and interstate visitors over the three days of racing.
“Extending the existing sanction agreement is a clear indication of the strength of the event here in the Northern Territory,” he said. “Economic impact analysis conducted on the event has revealed an estimated $16 million in additional expenditure is injected into the Territory economy by the Supercars.
“The CrownBet Darwin Triple Crown Supercars has cemented its place as one of the premier rounds in the Supercars Championship, boosting the Territory’s reputation as a haven for motorsports and entertainment.”
CrownBet and the Northern Territory Government recently signed a three-year deal with a further option to extend, with the current sanction agreement expiring after the 2018 event.
Supercars Chief Executive James Warburton said Darwin was a popular venue for teams, drivers and fans.
“This fantastic announcement will ensure an enduring legacy for the Northern Territory as our longest Government relationship outside of the iconic Bathurst 1000,” he said. “It is such a special event for the Championship and a real favourite of the teams, drivers and fans and I want to thank the Chief Minister, the Board and team at Northern Territory Major Events Company for their vision and passion in making this event a true cornerstone of the calendar for the years to come.”
Source : NT News
