Hotting up at Hidden Valley again

The Hidden Valley Drag Strip will be covered with rubber again this week with Round Two of the national ANDRA Drag Racing Series with Top Doorslammer featuring as part of the NT Titles.

Part of Territory Drag Racing’s 30th anniversary, it’s the first time the NT Titles will feature the national Round Two.

“This is hot action and I’m sure locals and visitors alike will see some fine racing over the two days – Friday and Saturday,” Chief Minister Adam Giles said.

“It’s adrenalin, heart pumping action and worth going along whether you’re a fan or not.

“It follows on from the screamingly successful Round One event at Hidden Valley in July where drag racing fans were treated to their first ever look at Top Fuel racing featuring the world’s fastest accelerating vehicles.”

Sport and Recreation Minister Gary Higgins said the NT Titles will also see some of the NT’s best racers in action.

“Drivers including eight-time Australian champion John Zappia, winner of our last event Paul Canulli and Australian drag racing household name Ben Bray will put on a show and I’m sure the competition won’t disappoint,” Minister Higgins said.

“The Territory Government will be funding a gravel trap for the drag racing with a grant of $50,000. This is an important safety feature.”

A gravel trap, or run off area, is a gravel filled pit area strategically located on the racing track in a spot where vehicles are most likely to run off the track.

Motorsport NT President Grant Hamon said Hidden Valley Drag Racing would work in conjunction with facilities management to ensure the appropriate standards and infrastructure were met.

“We appreciate the fantastic support of the Government for motor sport across the Territory,” he said.

Hidden Valley Drag Racing Association President Scott MacLean said the gravel trap would be a fantastic addition to the facility.

“This will be a major safety asset for the track,” he said. “Primarily it is all about no one having a serious accident and gives the cars the ability to stop more safely. As a not for profit association, we’re very pleased that the Government is helping us out with this, it’s awesome and we’re very grateful.”

Mr MacLean said apart from Zappia and Canulli, spectators should also keep an eye out for Darwin’s own Matt Abel.

“Matt is our local hope – he’s a Darwin boy, he has the ability to do very well and the locals will all get behind him and it would be fantastic to see him win.”

For more information on entry costs and gate opening times click here

Picture - Adam Giles (Chief Minister of the Northern Territory), Grant Hamon (MSNT President), Scott MacLean (HVDRA President), Jay Jukes (Former HVDRA President)