Fast and furious action will be back on the Hidden Valley Raceway as the BetEasy Darwin Triple Crown gets the green light to be the first major event in the Top End with spectators since COVID-19.

The Supercars, which is one of the biggest events on the Top End’s dry season calendar, will go ahead with a COVID-19 Safety Plan from August 8 to 9, 2020 with a 4,500 ticket-limit available per day.

It will be the first major event expected to attract interstate visitors after the borders reopen on July 17, which the government says will still proceed despite outbreaks of coronavirus in Victoria.

Organizers have announced that Territorians who were refunded a ticket for the original event in July will get exclusive first access to tickets for the August event. They will have 48 hours to buy a pre-sale ticket before tickets go on general sale at 9am on July 2. Concerts this year have been cancelled.

Tickets costs $35 for a one-day pass and $65 for a two-day pass. Children aged 13 and under are free with a paying adult. Tickets for the Monster Platform cost $120.

“It will be an honour to see 4,500 fans at Hidden Valley each day cheering on their favourite drivers. This is certainly a positive milestone for us and we are thrilled that this year’s Darwin Triple Crown will be run in front of our supporters,” Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said.

“The past few months have been tough on everyone, and we have worked hard behind the scenes to get our Championship back up and running and, importantly, getting fans back trackside.”

The merchandise stalls will be back, in a different location and format, along with a small selection of food and drink operators. Fans can also bring their own picnic.

The transporter convoy follows its usual route on August 6, but it will not stop in the Darwin CBD. Fans are requested to spread out along the length of the entire route to maintain physical distancing.

In line with the COVID-19 Safety Plan, concerts or support categories will be cancelled this year, and pit paddock access is limited to racing teams and officials, organizers have announced.

“The wellbeing of attendees is paramount and the team from Northern Territory Major Events Company will continue to work closely with the Department of Health, Virgin Australia Supercars, Motorsport Australia and the Sport Organising Committee to hold the event in line with COVID-19 precautions,” Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss said.

“It’s not lost on us that this will be the first major event that goes ahead after COVID-19, and we want to make sure that not only is it really enjoyable for spectators, but that it’s safe for spectators too.”