The 2023 Chariots of Thunder Sprintcar Series returns to Northline Speedway on the 18-19 and 25-26 August. After a record breaking year across the board with an in-venue crowd of 20,465 and $11.4 million dollars injected into the Northern Territory economy – the team have continued to plan a year that is set for another year of records.
The success of the event for the Northern Territory became irrefutable with 39,409 bed nights generated, 56.3% interstate visitation and 94% of survey respondents saying the agree that it is important for the NT Government to support events like Chariots of Thunder. This has resulted in a funding agreement with the NT Government to support the event with $225,000 across three years, cementing its place in the Northern Territory events calendar till 2025.
Chariots of Thunder organisers have undergone an intensive review of the program, support categories and format that are going to deliver a punch for the in-venue and online audience. Sport Manager, Jason McIver said “this year’s format brings the emphasis back heavily on Sprintcars and will be supported by the Wingless Sprint division which has continued to grow locally and known for putting on a fierce show.” McIver added “we will also be supporting another local division, AMCA Nationals which will be capped at 10 vehicles on a reduced format to help provide the Sprintcars and Wingless with turnover periods and repair times if needed.”
The Wingless Sprint division have been invited as the official support category to Sprintcars under an invitational process which will be capped at 48 nominations to ensure the best drivers in the nation and the format outlined for Sprintcars remains the focus. Shane Norman, President of the NT Wingless Sprint Association was excited on the confirmed return for Wingless Sprints, “It’s extremely exciting to have Wingless return to the program this year and already experiencing large interest from competitors across Australia. We looking forward to Support the Sprintcars, putting on a great show and participating in one of Australia’s biggest calendar event.”
Nominations for all sections will open in the new year on the Northline Speedway website with the official closing date of 1st of July (if capacity not reached sooner.)
Capitalising on the future certainty, competitors and race fans will notice a number of changes to the event, shaking it up and ensuring the event never meets a stalemate. Chariots of Thunder boasts a $26,000 injection into the prize money which includes a $10,000 payout to the series top three place getters. The pope challenge returns with an additional $5,000 for the Sprintcar pole sitter on Sunday 26 August, which if successfully achieve, adds another $30,000 to the bank. Jamie Veal fiercely accepted the challenge in 2022 and was looking promising, until an unfortunate flat tyre saw him retire from the race. To date, no one has successfully won the Pope Challenge and we are eagerly awaiting for it to meet its match.
Event organisers are toying with the prospect of a Thursday night event on the first weekend which would see a new form of entertainment down at Northline Speedway and Sprintcar demonstration to welcome race fans to the official commencement of the series. Vice President, Jacalin Ekins explained “we are always looking at ways to keep the event fresh, innovative and give racing fans a top tier Speedway experience. With the support of the Government, we are looking into what entertainment we could bring into a Thursday night show – whether this be monster trucks, demo derby or a concert, these are all things we are working through and will have more information in the new year.”
City Activations continues to be a real focus in showcasing what’s unique about the Territory and building out a two week program. A crowd favourite, the Mitchell Street Motorcade will undergo a revamp after four years to create something new for the long-time supporters of the event. In addition, the program will see a brand new activation added to spice it up and give the racing fans something new to enjoy coupled with other popular favourites such as fan appreciation night and Knoxville viewing party.
Chariots of Thunder tickets are on sale now for both general admission and hospitality. Racing fans looking for that little bit extra? Fans can purchase a Chariots Lounge ticket for $305 but are urged to jump in quick as the capacity has been reduced to ensure all guest get to enjoy the sweeping views of the track. A new exclusive suite package will be position at the top of the venue along the back straight giving groups of 15 a dedicated area with a food and beverage package to enjoy the event in style.
President of Northline Speedway, Caleb Gotts summarised the great past and future success of the event in simple terms. “I am so proud to lead such a high performing, innovative team. They are extremely critical of themselves and only use that as the fuel to be better every year. I think that is what makes this event so successful, is the people behind it put the competitors, fans and volunteers first and is in turn rewarded with loyalty.”
To secure your place at the 2023 Ostojic Chariots of Thunder, head to https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/chariots-of-thunder-sprintcar-series-tickets-403310230757