A safety wall made of 2500 tyres has been installed at Hidden Valley race track in time for the Darwin 2017 Supercars.

The upgrades were recommended after driver Lee Holdsworth connected with the concrete wall that boarders that section of track during last year’s event.

Department of Tourism and Culture, Executive Director Sport and Recreation, Phillip Leslie said the upgrades were essential.

“The Confederation of Australian Motor Sports (CAMS) recommended the upgrades and we took them seriously and implemented exactly what they said was required, the works went to the top of our priority list to be completed for this weekend’s event,” Mr Leslie said.

The 115 metre, 1200 mm high tyre buffer was completed by local company C & R Constructions.

“It’s two rows of tyres deep, with  conveyor belt along the front face of the new buffer.  2,500 tyres were used to complete the upgrade, which is a lot of rubber but we are happy with the facility upgrade.”

Also recommended and actioned by the Northern Territory Government was the the extension of the pit lane debris fence.

The upgrades cost $158,000 to complete.

Mr Leslie said “after each incident a review is carried out with an assessment of what additional controls are necessary to prevent further occurrences and it is our duty of care to implement these recommendations.”

Images: attached

Media Enquiries:

Department of Tourism and Culture | Media Manager: 0476 844 832

DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND CULTURE - THE HOME OF SPORT AND RECREATION - ARTS AND MUSEUMS - PARKS AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION - TOURISM NT – HERITAGE