NORTHLINE SPEEDWAY’S HUGE TWO WEEKENDS!

Record crowd witnesses successful Chariots of Thunder ever

The 2022 Ostojic Chariots of Thunder has wrapped up after two huge weekends of racing that drew a record-breaking 20,645 attendances.

In addition, this year’s event attracted the biggest field ever, with 100 competitors. The event took place at Northline Speedway in Darwin from 19-20 August and 26-27 August 2022.

Featuring Sprintcars, Speedcars and Street Stocks, an enthusiastic crowd enjoyed plenty of thrills and spills over the four nights.

On the final night, Jamie Veal (V35) took the Pope Challenge, relinquishing his pole position to go to the rear of the field in the hope of climbing back to first to win an additional $25,000. In a thrilling performance he made it halfway up the field by mid-race, then had to withdraw after hitting a wall and cutting a tyre.

Creating plenty of excitement among local fans, young Territorian Ben Atkinson Junior took out first place on the final night, securing his biggest win to date.

Northline Speedway President Caleb Gotts said organisers were thrilled with the success of the event, which also attracted more than 128,000 views via live stream on the Chariots of Thunder Facebook page.

“We’re stoked with how things went,” he said. “Chariots brings competitors from all over the country to the Top End, and thousands of motorsport enthusiasts turn out to watch them in action. There was an incredible atmosphere every night.

“The reputation of Chariots as a must-do continues to grow, and this year entries were full several weeks in advance, while attendances were up around 4,000 on last year. We’re already planning the 2023 event, and will continue to build on the success of this year.”

As well as four nights of racing, this year’s program featured several activations away from the track, including the Mitchell Street Motorcade parade through the CBD, the Knoxville Viewing Party, and a Fan Appreciation Night at Darwin Waterfront, where fans got to meet the competitors.

Next year’s Ostojic Chariots of Thunder will take place from 18-19 August and 25-26 August 2023. Tickets are on sale now at www.northlinespeedway.com.au

Sprintcars series winners

1st Lachlan McHugh (NQ7)

2nd Matt Egel (SA52)

3rd Ryan Jones (S63)

Speedcars series winners

1st Tom Payet (W7)

2nd N97 Matt Jackson (N97)

3rd Kaleb Currie (S6E)

Street Stocks winners

1st Anthony Beare (S46)

2nd Jason Duell (S18)

3rd Lenny Bates (W74)