Hidden Valley Raceway

Hidden Valley Raceway stands as a premier motorsport venue in Australia's Northern Territory. The facility sits 10 kilometers from Darwin's city center and hosts the popular Darwin Triple Crown event in the Supercars Championship calendar. This 2.87-kilometer circuit combines challenging technical sections with one of Australia's longest straightaways, creating an exciting balance of speed and precision driving.

Circuit Layout and Technical Specifications

The Hidden Valley circuit features 14 turns and runs in an anti-clockwise direction. Its standout feature is the 1.1-kilometer main straight, where drivers reach top speeds before heavy braking into the first turn. With an average speed of 149 km/h, the track demands both raw power and finesse. The first section focuses on high-speed performance, while the second half tests car handling through a series of technical corners. The FIA Grade 3 certification confirms the track meets international safety and quality standards.

Historical Development

The history of Hidden Valley begins with drag racing in the early 1960s. Local enthusiasts initially used former airstrips before planning a dedicated facility. The Hidden Valley Drag Racing Association formed in 1969, laying groundwork for future development. Builders completed the quarter-mile drag strip in 1984, and it opened to racers in 1985. The road course received major upgrades to international standards in 1998, coinciding with the arrival of V8 Supercars that same year. This marked the beginning of Darwin's prominence on Australia's national racing calendar.

The Darwin Triple Crown

Since 1998, Hidden Valley has hosted the Darwin Triple Crown, a highlight of the Supercars Championship. The event occurs during the Northern Territory's dry season in June or July, when weather conditions prove most favorable. The "Triple Crown" title goes to any driver who achieves the rare feat of winning the top ten shootout plus both races during the weekend. This challenging accomplishment underscores the event's competitive nature. The 2008 edition earned recognition as V8 Supercar Event of the Year, cementing its status in Australian motorsport. Fans anticipate the return of this premier racing weekend on June 20-22, 2025.

Facility Features

The Hidden Valley Motorsports Complex extends beyond the main circuit to include several racing venues. A 1-kilometer ANDRA drag strip runs alongside the main straight, continuing the venue's drag racing tradition. The 400-meter Northline Speedway provides a dirt track for oval racing events. The complex also contains motocross tracks and a go-kart circuit, serving various motorsport disciplines. Competitors benefit from 30 lockable pit garages and professional control towers. Spectators enjoy the venue's bar and food options during race weekends.

Racing Characteristics

Drivers face unique challenges at Hidden Valley. The circuit's layout requires cars with balanced setups—powerful enough for the long straight yet nimble enough for the technical sections. Darwin's warm climate adds another dimension to racing strategy, as teams must manage tire wear carefully throughout each event. These conditions create tactical racing where driver skill and team strategy play equal roles in achieving success.