1 September 2026
As motorsports events continue to break attendance records, Red CentreNATS, Chariots of Thunder and MXGP are set to return to the Territory in September.
It follows a massive year including the biggest-ever Darwin Supercars program, Finke Desert Race, and Darwin Gazzanats.
Finocchiaro CLP Government continues to cement the Territory as the best place for local, sport, and major events - Australia's home of motorsports.
As the convoy of beat-up Shitbox Rally rustbuckets rattled their way out of Darwin, thousands of visitors are flocking to the Territory for three of the country's biggest motorsports events.
The iconic Red CentreNATS will return to Alice Springs from 3-6 September, before the Chariots of Thunder (10-12 September) and MXGP of Australia (18-20 September) roar back into Hidden Valley.
Minister for Major Events, Marie-Clare Boothby, said the events built on what has already been an incredible year for Territory motorsport.
"We saw our biggest ever Darwin Supercars, Gazzanats, and Finke Desert Race as turnouts bucked national trends. And we're keeping the pedal down with a long list of local, sport and major events in September," Minister Boothby said.
"Last year alone, these three events - Red CentreNATS, Chariots of Thunder and the inaugural MXGP of Australia - added over $36 million to the Territory's economy.
"That's over $36 million pouring into local hotels, restaurants, pubs, and tourism operators - extending our tourist season, and giving locals and visitors yet another reason to enjoy the Territory's lifestyle."
Red CentreNATS is a must-do event in Alice Springs, with three days of adrenalin-fuelled action across venues throughout the town, show cars, bikes and activities, including a Street Parade and Fringe Festival.
Red CentreNATS Promoter, Andy Lopez, said: "Red CentreNATS brings the Aussie motoring community together for four huge days and they bloody love it. Hundreds of entrants, thousands of spectators, Pro Burnouts, Heavy Hitters Drag Racing, more than $130,000 in prize money, and crazy blown cars cruising the streets of Alice Springs there's absolutely nothing like Red CentreNATS."
Meanwhile, just days after the NT Titles, the Territory's premier sprintcar event will take over Northline Speedway, with three days of fierce competition at the Chariots of Thunder.
Northline Speedway President, Caleb Gotts, said: "Chariots of Thunder combines some of Australia's best sprintcar racing with the atmosphere that makes Territory motorsport unique, and are really excited to be back - bigger and better - for 2026."
The MXGP of Australia will return to Hidden Valley from 18-20 September, as the Finocchiaro Government delivers three days of world championship motocross and non stop adrenaline in the Top End.
Minister Boothby concluded: "In our year of growth, certainty, and security, we're building a jam-packed, year-round events calendar that restores our lifestyle and grows our visitor economy."
