The 2022 Merlin Darwin Triple Crown has wrapped up for another year, with an incredible 40,448 attendances recorded from 17-19 June.
Motorsports fans flocked to Darwin from all corners of Australia, for what was the inaugural Supercars Indigenous Round. Celebrating our First Nations people, the round also pays homage to the Larrakia people whose land the event takes place on.
As part of the Indigenous Round, the Supercars were wrapped in Indigenous liveries and several Australian Superbike teams featured Aboriginal artwork in their motorcycle decals or suits and helmets.
Larrakia artist Trent Lee, who designed the official Indigenous Round artwork, also recreated the Darwin Triple Crown trophy as a traditional shield. Local artists ‘Duwun’ Lee, Les Huddleston and Josef Petterson also helped Trent create a series of didgeridoos used for other awards. The Australian Superbike trophies also feature Trent’s artwork and he designed the artwork on the officials’ and volunteers’ shirts.
With more motorsport than ever before, fans lapped up plenty of on-track action including Supercars, Australian Superbikes, S5000, Porsche Paynter Dixon Carerra Cup and Combined Sedans.
This year’s Merlin Darwin Triple Crown also hosted the grand finale of Burson Auto Parts Australian Top Fuel Championship in 2022, which saw some of the fastest competitors reaching speeds of more than 500km/h.
The action on track was red-hot all weekend, with Chaz Mostert taking out first place in the Supercars category, Mike Jones winning the Australian Superbikes category and Peter Xiberras of the PremiAir Racing Team claiming top place in the Burson Auto Parts Australian Top Fuel Championship.
Younger fans were also well looked after at the 2022 event with a whole off-track program dedicated to families. Kids made the most of fun activities such as laser tag, arcade games, Mini Moto, face painting, arts and craft, an obstacle course, circus area and much more.
Spectators were also treated to numerous live music performances, including the iconic Chunky Custard who presented their ever-popular 70s and beyond show.
Other highlights for spectators included the Pit Lane Walk, where fans got to meet their favourite Supercars drivers, have merchandise signed and see the garages up close.
The Merlin Darwin Triple Crown will return to the Top End next year, with dates to be announced later this year.
To keep up to date with the latest news, head to [https://www.darwinsupercars.com.au] and follow the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown on Facebook and Instagram.
Quotes from Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles
“The Territory Government is proud to support the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown, knowing just how valuable the return on investment is. Events such as these continue to boost our visitor numbers, strengthen our economy and put the Territory in the spotlight.”
“This year’s instalment was extra special as the first ever Supercars Indigenous Round, celebrating the nation’s Indigenous cultures and acknowledging the Larrakia people whose land this event takes place on.
Quotes from Minister for Major Events, Paul Kirby
“It was a massive weekend out at Hidden Valley, with the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown attracting 40,448 attendances over the three days.”
“The consistent feedback I received over the weekend from the drivers, teams, owners and visitors is that Darwin is their favourite event on the Supercar calendar because of how organised, friendly and fun it is. Thank you to the army of volunteers and Major Events staff who continue to raise the bar and ensure the Triple Crown is the Supercar benchmark.”
Quotes from Supercars CEO, Shane Howard:
“We’ve been coming here for 25 years, and I don’t think we’ve ever seen a cloud in the sky.
“The Northern Territory Government and NT Major Events Company have done such a great job here with the venue. They welcome us, the community welcomes us and we like giving back to the Indigenous community.
Quotes from winning Supercars driver, Chaz Mostert:
“As a race car driver you never give up. That battle with Anton De Pasquale got really heated in those last couple of laps.
“I think anytime you win is fantastic, so we’re pretty happy as a team today. All focus now is on Townsville – we’ll see how we go.”
Quotes from winning Australian Superbikes rider, Mike Jones:
“The team did a fantastic job and gave me a bike that I was able to race on in all conditions. When the track was in the cool conditions, we were able to go fast, when the track was hot and greasy it was a bike that was ridable and comfortable enough to be able to be super consistent on.”
“Overall first for the weekend and extending our championship lead is very important for us leaving here this weekend.”
Northern Territory Government
