The eagerly anticipated final round of the Australian Top Fuel Championship has been confirmed for 17-18 June, 2022 at the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown. Riding alongside are the Superbikes, creating a festival of motorsport not seen since the Triple Challenge of the 1990s.
The aptly named Merlin Darwin Triple Crown sees Supercars and Australian Superbikes star alongside Nitro Up North featuring the mind-blowing finals of the Australian Top Fuel Championship. Darwin is the only round that will feature these souped-up rides, which are the fastest drag cars around.
Nitro Up North hits the track on Friday and Saturday night under lights with Top Bike, Doorslammer and Sportsman brackets adding to the fireworks.
Top Fuel are the loudest, fastest and most powerful cars on the planet, the nitro burning headline act of what is shaping up to be the most exciting motorsport event on earth in 2022.
In a first for the event and the sport, the 2022 Merlin Darwin Triple Crown becomes the official Indigenous Round of the Supercars championship, and 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, and the official Indigenous Round artwork, designed by Larrakia artist Trent Lee, was unveiled at the 2021 Merlin Darwin Triple Crown.
Australian Top Fuel Director Andy Lopez said the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown is not to be missed.
“The fastest racing on the planet on the same program as the world’s toughest circuit racing – it’s unbelievable. It’ll be fantastic for the teams to race in front of thousands of motorsport fans live at Hidden Valley, and go around Australia and the world on TV.
“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. It’s the perfect end to the inaugural Australian Top Fuel Championship,” he said.
Round 1 Australian Top Fuel Championship
January 21-22, 2022 Sydney Dragway
Round 2 Australian Top Fuel Championship
February 5-6, 2022 Australian Nationals, Calder Park Raceway
Round 3 Australian Top Fuel Championship
March 5-6, 2022 Westernationals, Perth Motorplex
Round 4 Australian Top Fuel Championship
April 9-10, 2022 Heathcote Park Raceway
Round 5 Australian Top Fuel Championship
May 6-7, 2022 Nitro Champs, Sydney Dragway
Round 6 Australian Top Fuel Championship
GRAND FINAL
Merlin Darwin Triple Crown, Hidden Valley
The Merlin Darwin Triple Crown is delivered by the Northern Territory Government through the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC). NTMEC CEO Tim Watsford 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, and 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,” he said.
“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.
Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle said Darwin is a dream destination for the event.
“The NT always turns it on for the ASBK Championship. 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
