The news Northern Territory motorsport fans have been waiting for has been confirmed, with the Nitro Up North drag racing event set for July 21 and 22 at Hidden Valley Drag Strip in Darwin.

Nitro-fuelled dragsters will once again shake the ground with six cars due to head north for the first time from racing teams Rapisarda Autosport International, Lamattina Top Fuel Racing and Sheehan Racing.

Department of Tourism and Culture Executive Director Sport and Recreation, Phillip Leslie, said the Northern Territory Government was a proud sponsor of the event and he was thrilled to welcome Nitro Up North back to the Top End for 2017.

“Motor sports continue to play an important role in the sporting calendar of events throughout the year, and I’m proud to have the Nitro Up North return for a weekend of electrifying entertainment.

“Last year thousands of spectators turned out to witness the 10,000 horsepower cars accelerate to over 500km/h in just 4.5 seconds, leaving everyone awe-inspired, and I’m sure the 2017 event will be bigger, louder and faster,” Mr Leslie said.

The 2016 event saw the world’s third-fastest drag race speed in history, set at Hidden Valley Raceway, with one racer reaching over 500km/h.

MotorSports NT (MSNT) President Grant Hamon said the MSNT Board continued to provide the best possible support to ensure one of the biggest club motor sports events in the Territory got stronger each year.

“Motor sports fans from the Territory and interstate will be rapt that Nitro Up North is back bigger and better in 2017 as the first round of the Australian National Drag Racing series. Let’s see if the expanded field in Top Fuel can go one better and set yet another world record,” Mr Hamon said.

Nitro Up North organiser Scot MacLean said his hopes were high for another tremendous event, building on last year’s record crowds.

“Travelling to Nitro Up North isn’t just another drag racing event – it’s an adventure, and we’ve got the best drag racers from around the country coming to Darwin. They see it as an opportunity to compete while also seeing the spectacular landscapes that the NT is known for.

“The event is world class and planning is already well advanced to make sure the 2017 show is just as high quality,” Mr MacLean said.

The Top Fuel teams will be joined by Top Doorslammers, Top Alcohol Funny Cars, and Dragsters, and hundreds of racers in the Summit Sportsman Series for awesome championship drag racing.

Nitro Up North is organised and run by Hidden Valley Drag Racing Association (HVDRA), and proudly sponsored by the Northern Territory Government.

Media contact for interviews:
Department of Tourism and Culture, Sport and Recreation Media Manager - 0476 844 832