Sprintcars Hit Darwin This Week as Chariots of Thunder Fires Up

The Chariots of Thunder Sprintcar Series roars back into Darwin’s Northline Speedway this weekend, bringing the nation’s best drivers to the Top End for three nights of world-class racing and entertainment.

From 11–13 September 2025, fans can expect high-octane action under lights, alongside a buzzing festival atmosphere of food stalls and bars. Drivers from every state and territory will hit the track, joined by Territory favourites Jordyn Charge, Zack Grimshaw and Chris Harrison as they battle interstate rivals for sprintcar glory.

Adding to the spectacle, the Wingless Sprints will deliver plenty of thrills, headlined by reigning Australian Champion Tyson Martin alongside 19 local competitors – a showcase of the Northern Territory’s outstanding racing talent.

All eyes will be on the prestigious Pope Challenge, a race-within-a-race tribute to Territory speedway great Bob “The Pope” Ekins. In this high-risk, high-reward showdown, a driver can elect to start from the back of the field with a massive $50,000 prize on the line if they can storm through to claim victory.

Festivities kick off early with the Mitchell Street Motorcade and Fan Night on Wednesday, 10 September. From 5.30pm, sprintcars, drivers and teams will parade through the Darwin CBD before converging on The Precinct at the Darwin Waterfront for a fan meet-and-greet.

“The atmosphere at Northline Speedway during Chariots is electric,” said Northline Speedway President Caleb Gotts. “It’s more than just a race, it’s a celebration of motorsport, community and the Territory.”

The Chariots of Thunder Sprintcar Series is supported by our Event Funding Program.

Gates open from 3pm each day, with racing underway from 5.30pm. Children aged 12 and under enjoy free entry with a ticketed adult. Tickets and event information are available at northlinespeedway.com.au