6 May 2011
Drag racing is set for a return to Hidden Valley following a $4.6 million upgrade to the drag strip and installation of new timing display boards.
Representing the Minister for Sport Mark Arbib, Northern Territory Senator Trish Crossin said the $4.6 million upgrade fulfils a key election commitment with $3 million coming from the Gillard Government.
“The Gillard Government is proud to contribute to drag racing as one of the Territory’s most loved sports with thousands of Territorians enjoying the fun and excitement of drag racing,” Senator Crossin said.
“The track has been resurfaced to a national standard, encouraging top class competitors from across Australia and around the world to compete in Darwin.
“The spectators can also look forward to an upgraded and tiered spectator mound for better safety and viewing areas.
“I look forward to next weekend’s Grand Re-Opening of the Hidden Valley International Drag Strip where competitors from across the Territory and Interstate will compete to take out round one of the 2011 season.”
Senator Crossin was joined by Northern Territory Minister for Business and Employment, Rob Knight, as well as drag racers Matt Abel and Scott Maclean.
“I look forward to seeing Matt in his ’57 Chev and Scott in his ’53 Studebaker blitz the new track when they go head-to-head on the 13th and 14th May with 10 of Australia’s best Top Doorslammers,” Mr Knight said.
“The Territory Government is a proud supporter of motorsport and that’s why we invested $1.6 million towards the Hidden Valley International Drag Strip and facilities upgrade.
“This includes new LED timing display boards that will show the speed of each vehicle on the track.
“Each board is 1.5m tall and the whole structure is 12m high and clearly visible in full daylight from the new spectator terrace at the start line. These are the largest boards in Australia.
“And while American consultants were required for certain aspects of the drag strip and facilities upgrade, about 30 Territorians were employed onsite.
“Projects such as this $4.6 million drag strip and facilities upgrade helps support local jobs and delivers positive social outcomes through improved sports facilities that bring great joy to thousands of Territorians.”
The $4.6 million drag strip and facilities upgrade delivered:
- Resurface the track to an international standard
- Upgrade safety barriers to concrete for top class competition vehicles
- New burnout pad Install timing boards at the end of the track
- Upgrade and tier the spectator mound for better safety and viewing areas