The Fast Flowing Hidden Valley Raceway

Hidden Valley Raceway is part of the Hidden Valley Motorsport Complex near Darwin, the capital city of Northern Territory in Australia.

Small dust-track became a proper motorsport circuit

This relatively big venue owned by the Northern Territory Government was opened in 1986 but had to wait until 1998 to make a breakthrough to the Australian racing stage. That year the small dust-track was transformed into the proper motorsport venue, suitable for both cars and motorcycle racing events. The V8 Supercars Championship round in June or July, during the ’dry season’, is the biggest happening at the Hidden Valley Raceway and also one of the biggest events in this part of Australia.

Map: Hidden Valley Raceway track layout

V8 Supercar race is the main event at Hidden Valley Raceway

Hidden Valley Raceway is 2.87 km long circuit with 14 turns. The counter-clockwise run track is the mixture of sweeping bands and 1.1 km long main straight. This track is considered as one of the fastest on the V8 Supercars calendar. Both car and driver must be well prepared as this circuit demands respect but also has to be treated aggressively. The overall lap record time is 1:02.9268, set by Simon Wills during the Formula Holden race in 2001 while the V8 Supercar lap record – 1:06.0258 – is set by Craig Lowndes in 2016.

V8 Supercar race at Hidden Valley Raceway

Motorsport Complex with plenty to offer

Hidden Valley Raceway is just one of the parts of the motorsport complex. There are also popular drag strip, speedway, go-kart track, quad bike racing track, and mud racing track. Facilities are modest but completely adequate. There are 30 pit garages available for the teams, control towers, conference facilities with VIP and lounge bar, as well as food kiosks, bar, and sealed open area for car exhibitions and parking, including lighting for night events. There is no grandstand, so the spectators can watch the races from the grassed terraces.

Pitlane at Hidden Valley Raceway

Apart from the V8 Supercar round, Hidden Valley Raceway also hosts various national championships. At the same time, the venue is available for cycling racing events, driver training courses, track days, and non-racing corporate activities. The complex is also home to various local motorsport clubs.

Getting there and accommodation

Hidden Valley Motorsport Complex is 10 km to the east from the city of Darwin. Darwin International Airport is close to the venue and it is easy to reach. The airport has excellent connections with all Australian cities and the limited number of flights across the region.

Part of the Hidden Valley Motorsport Complex

The accommodation shouldn’t be a problem. There is a plenty of various types of lodging in Darwin and the area so everyone can find something to suit your needs and taste.

Video – Hidden Valley Raceway

Address: Hidden Valley Motor Sport Complex, Hidden Valley Rd, Berrimah, NT 0828, Australia
Phone: +61 8 8947 1471
Website: nt.gov.au/leisure/sport/find-a-sports-facility/hidden-valley-motor-sports-complex

Photo: wikipedia.org, speedcafe.com, panoramio.com