VISIT THE NORTHERN TERRITORY FOR THIS YEAR’S BEST MOTORSPORT EVENTS

MEDIA RELEASE/Northern Territory Major Events – Photo: Velocity Magazine

The Northern Territory will roar to life in 2025 with some of Australia’s most exhilarating motorsport action, featuring a thrilling lineup of high-octane events. From Supercars and drag racing to sprint cars, motorcross and more, the Territory’s bumper calendar promises non-stop excitement, adrenaline-fueled competition, and unforgettable moments.

Northern Territory Major Events Company Interim CEO, Trevor Cox, said he was excited about the impact motorsport will have on the Top End in 2025.

“The motorsport events we have this year are not just about the thrill of racing— they will be a major driver of tourism, bringing thousands of visitors to the NT, boosting local businesses, and showcasing our incredible destinations. From the roar of Supercars to the intensity of drag racing and the global MXGP round debuting in Darwin, these events put the Territory on the national stage and reinforce our reputation as a premier motorsport destination.

“Whether you’re a die-hard motorsport enthusiast or just love the excitement of live racing, 2025 is the year to be in the NT. Don’t miss your chance to experience the heart-pounding action, raw power, and unmatched energy of Northern Territory motorsport,” said Mr Cox.

Here are this year’s must-see motorsport events in the NT.

FINKE DESERT RACE (Mparntwe)
Alice Springs
6-9 June 2025

The Tatts Finke Desert Race is Australia’s premier off-road, multi-terrain event, pushing bikes, cars, and buggies to their limits across the rugged desert landscape. Spanning two adrenaline-fueled days, competitors race from Alice Springs to the remote Aputula (Finke) community and back. Held annually over the King’s Birthday long weekend in June, this legendary race is a true test of endurance, speed, and skill.

BETR DARWIN TRIPLE CROWN
Darwin
20-22 June 2025

The betr Darwin Triple Crown Supercars Indigenous Round, set for 20-22 June 2025, promises an adrenaline-fueled weekend with the debut of the Super 440 format. This exciting new format features two 120km races on Saturday and a 200km race on Sunday, totalling 440km of high-speed action. Adding to the excitement, the Darwin round will be part of the Sprint Cup, a new challenge where the top-performing driver from the first eight rounds of the Supercars Championship earns a spot in the finals. Fans can also enjoy live music performances on Saturday and Sunday evenings, making it a must-attend event both on and off the track.

SEE THE FULL2023 DARIN GALLERY HERE

WORLD SOLAR CHALLENGE
Darwin
24-31 August

Cutting-edge technology and sustainable innovation take centre stage at the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, running from August 24-31. This prestigious biennial event attracts the brightest minds from around the globe, as teams design, build, and race high-performance solar-powered vehicles across Australia’s vast outback. Starting in Darwin, competitors push the limits of efficiency and endurance on an epic 3,000-kilometer journey to Adelaide, testing their engineering skills and resilience in one of the world’s toughest solar races.

NITRO UP NORTH
Darwin
29-30 August 2025

Nitro Up North returns to Darwin as a standalone event on 29-30 August 2025, igniting the Northern Territory’s drag racing scene with an unmissable, high-energy spectacle. Headlined by the 4,000-horsepower Aeroflow Outlaw Funny Cars, the event will also feature the National Drag Racing Championship, the Doorslammer Grand Final, and a round of the ANDRA Regional Sportsman Series. Kicking off a huge stretch of drag racing action, Nitro Up North sets the stage for an adrenaline-fueled few weeks, with racing then shifting to the Red Centre for multiple events in early September.

SEE THE FULL2023 DARIN GALLERY HERE

DESERT NATIONALS
Alice Springs (Mparntwe)
3 September 2025

The excitement shifts into high gear in the heart of Australia on 3 September 2025, as Alice Springs hosts the iconic Desert Nationals. A key round of the ANDRA Regional Sportsman Series, the Desert Nationals will officially kick off the iconic Red CentreNATS program, setting the stage for an unforgettable motorsport festival against the striking red earth of Central Australia.

RED CENTRENATS
Alice Springs (Mparntwe)
5-7 September 2025

The Territory’s massive week of drag racing continues with Red CentreNATS from 5–7 September 2025, offering adrenaline-pumping action and substantial prize money in the Heavy Hitters Drag Racing Competition. Now celebrating its 11th year, this ultimate festival of wheels, delivered in partnership with Summernats, further cements its reputation as one of Australia’s most iconic motorsport festivals. Enthusiasts from across the country will bring serious horsepower to Alice Springs, showcasing elite street machines, show cars, hot rods, classics, and exotics. The event promises high-octane excitement, featuring a massive street parade, Heavy Hitters Drag Racing, a round of the Pro Burnout Series, and much more.

CHARIOTS OF THUNDER
Darwin
11-13 September 2025

The Chariots of Thunder series is set to return to Darwin from September 11-13, bringing top-tier sprint car drivers to Northline Speedway for an electrifying showdown. A fan favourite on the racing calendar, this high-speed event will kick off two consecutive weekends of motorsport action in Darwin, with the MXGP of Australia the next weekend.

MXGP OF AUSTRALIA
Darwin
September 2025

The world’s top motocross riders will compete at the inaugural MXGP of Australia this September, marking the first time the FIM Motocross World Championship has returned to Australia in 24 years. Set for 19-21 September 2025, the event will be held at the Hidden Valley Motorsports Complex on a purpose-built, permanent track. It will be broadcast to over 100 countries, reaching a potential audience of more than 700 million people globally. As the thrilling final round of the 2025 FIM Motocross World Championship, the MXGP of Australia will showcase the MXGP and MX2 categories, the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship (WMX), and national support classes. New ‘State of Origin’-style competitions for MX3 and MX85 will also highlight the next generation of Australian motocross talent.

Motorsport fans are invited to experience the high-speed excitement of the Northern Territory, where thrilling racing meets unforgettable travel experiences. From awe-inspiring UNESCO-listed national parks and ancient landscapes to epic outback road trips and immersive cultural encounters, there’s something for everyone.

To read more about the Northern Territory’s calendar of motorsport events and book tickets, visit ntmajorevents.com.au

---

SUBSCRIBE TO VELOCITY MAGAZINE 

For all our news keep your eyes peeled on the Velocity Magazine website and social media, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for our daily updates and to get the latest edition of our glossy magazine subscribe here from just $55 for 12 months subscription.

GET OUR LATEST ISSUE NUMBER 55 HERE

 

 

NAMING RIGHTS SPONSOR