The Darwin V8 Supercars Triple Crown gets underway on Friday with three days of action, including Supercars, Porsche Carrera Cup, Tyrepower V8 SuperUtes, Touring Car Masters, and Combined Sedans.

All 25 Supercars will park at the Darwin Esplanade on Thursday before racing at Hidden Valley. Nitro Up North will bring more than 90 nitro-fuelled machines for two nights of high-octane drag racing, including showdowns with Top Fuel and the world’s fastest rigs.

Friday’s race kicks off three days of packed action and various entertainment. A flyover by an F-35 jet will add an extra level of heart-thumping action on Sunday.

The family-friendly event from June 14 to 16, is free for children aged 13 and under who are accompanied by a paying adult. 3-Day Hot Passes are $125 and new this year is The Valley Rodeo – a themed experience in The Valley Infield that organisers said will take the day at the Supercars to the next level.

The races comes amid track upgrades that will see NT racing clubs and fans enjoying a world-class venue after the completion of a $700,000 upgrade of the Hidden Valley motorsport complex.

The NT Government is investing a further $300,000 in upgrades to the track to improve the pathways at the spectator’s hairpin and replace lighting at the grass pits with LED lights. The track had earlier undergone $400,000 in safety upgrades, which include the installation of concrete barriers, triple guardrails, footpaths and storm water drainage at the northern section that will improve safety for drivers.

Under Budget 2024, the NT Government committed $3 million to begin work to transform the world-class Hidden Valley motorsports complex significantly.

Works on the first stage of the Hidden Valley Master Plan will begin in the coming months with the commencement of the disability access audit, which will identify the priority works needed to be completed to provide better access for motorsport fans with disabilities.

Among the upgrades included in the first stage of the master plan are a shade canopy, stairs, additional pit spaces, a new control tower, a medical facility, and a new entrance to the precinct.

“Our Hidden Valley Master Plan will give Territorians a world-class venue. The $3 million funding as part of Budget 2024 is the beginning of the transformation of this key piece of Territory sporting infrastructure,” Minister for Sport Kate Worden said.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler said: “Tens of thousands of Territorians will go through the gates at Hidden Valley over the weekend and it is one of the biggest events in the Territory. The Hidden Valley Master Plan shows our vision for the precinct and to make it a world-class venue for years to come.”