Motors revving in the NT: 2025’s best motorsport events

Alright, we know not all of these events are strictly 4WD-related, but let’s be honest, if it’s got an engine and goes fast, we’re not too picky. The Northern Territory is cranking up the adrenaline in 2025 with an absolute belter of a motorsport calendar. From Supercars and drag racing to sprint cars, motocross, and even solar-powered rockets on wheels, there’s something for everyone who loves the smell of burning rubber and a good dose of dust.

So, if you’re keen for some heart-pounding action, here’s what’s firing up in the NT in 2025.

Finke Desert Race – Alice Springs (Mparntwe) | 6-9 June 2025

If you haven’t heard of Finke, are you even into motors? Australia’s toughest off-road race sees bikes, buggies, and cars take on the brutal desert terrain between Alice Springs and the remote Aputula (Finke) community. It’s fast, dusty, and absolutely brutal…just how we like it.

Betr Darwin Triple Crown – Darwin | 20-22 June 2025

Supercars hit the Top End with the debut of the Super 440 format, with two 120km races on Saturday and a 200km showdown on Sunday. The Sprint Cup adds extra spice, with the top driver from the first eight rounds scoring a direct pass to the finals. Add live music into the mix, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a weekend.

World Solar Challenge – Darwin | 24-31 August 2025

For those who prefer their speed with a side of science, the Birdgestone World Solar Challenge sees teams from around the globe push the limits of solar-powered vehicles across 3,000km of outback roads from Darwin to Adelaide. No petrol, no emissions. Just pure sun-fuelled innovation and a whole lot of hope that the clouds stay away.

Nitro Up North – Darwin | 29-30 August 2025

Four-thousand-horsepower Funny Cars. Championship drag racing. Doorslammer Grand Final. Need we say more? Nitro Up North kicks off a huge stretch of drag racing action, leading straight into a week of tyre-melting madness in Alice Springs.

Desert Nationals – Alice Springs (Mparntwe) | 3 September 2025

If you’re still craving the smell of burnt rubber, head to the Red Centre for the Desert Nationals. This ANDRA Regional Sportsman Series event sets the stage for a week of horsepower heaven, launching straight into Red Centre NATS.

Red Centre NATS – Alice Springs (Mparntwe) | 5-7 September 2025

It’s the festival of horsepower, where street machines, hot rods, classics, and burnouts take over Alice Springs. Enthusiasts from across the country will bring serious smoke to Alice, featuring the Pro Burnout Series, Heavy Hitters Drag Racing, high-octane excitement and more.

Chariots of Thunder – Darwin | 11-13 September 2025

Sprint cars, dirt tracks, and a whole lot of sideways action. Chariots of Thunder is one of the best speedway events in Australia, drawing top drivers for a weekend of high-octane thrills at Northline Speedway. A fan favourite on the racing calendar, this high-speed event will kick off two consecutive weekends of motorsport action in Darwin, with the MXGP of Australia the next weekend.

MXGP of AUSTRALIA – Darwin | 19-21 September 2025

For the first time in 24 years, the FIM Motocross World Championship is back in Australia, and Darwin’s Hidden Valley Motorsports Complex is where it’s all going down. The best riders in the world will battle it out in the final round of the MXGP Championship, with the event broadcast to over 100 countries and a potential audience of 700 million. As the thrilling final round, the MXGP of Australia will showcase the MXGP and MX2 categories, the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship (WMX), and national support classes. Oh, and there’s also a new State of Origin-style comp for MX3 and MX85 to see which Aussie state breeds the best dirt bike talent.

Get amongst it

Motorsport in the NT isn’t just about watching; it’s about the adventure. Whether you’re exploring Kakadu, kicking back in a waterhole in the West MacDonnell Ranges, or tackling some of the best 4WD tracks in the country, there’s plenty to explore before and after the races.

To read more about the Northern Territory’s calendar of motorsport events and book tickets, visit ntmajorevents.com.au

Read next: