With preparations fully underway for the 2017 season, Darwin’s Northline Speedway are calling for expressions of interest from teams for the Chariots of Thunder Series, which is set to return to the track for the 11th season running.

After hosting a very successful 10th anniversary series last August, the Northline Speedway committee wanted to give drivers and teams as much notice as possible so they can make preparations for this season’s running of the event.

“The earlier we can lock in teams, especially those coming from interstate, the more we can help cater to their needs for such a big commitment,” commented Northline Speedway Vice President Caleb Gotts.

“We are talking about helping them with transporter storage and work shop needs, as well as accommodation.” This season, the series will revert to a program held over three weekends, with five nights of racing scheduled, something that hasn’t been done since 2009.

In addition to the Darwin Title, the NT Title and the Pope 65 Bob Ekins Memorial race, a‘Defend the Top End’ clash has also been added to the program, which will see interstate teams go up against local teams in a special format and will be clarified once nominations are finalised.

“If you want to get a lot of laps in at a top-class facility, the Chariots of Thunder Series is a great way to escape the cold and the rain in August down south,” remarked last year’s Chariots of Thunder Champion Jason McIver.

The additional night of racing will also mean that drivers have even more chance to increase their winnings, with an even bigger prize pool on offer.

“Last season’s Chariots of Thunder Series offered a huge $40,000 in prize money,” added Gotts. “This season, we are trying to lock in around $55,000 in prize money over the five nights of racing. We have a chunk of it locked in already and we still have plenty of time to find the rest.”

A total of 24 teams took part in the Chariots of Thunder Series last season, which led to some fierce competition and epic racing conducted on the Northline quarter mile.

“The level of competition at last season’s event was fantastic and the racing was really enjoyable,” commented NSW-based racer Kyle Caunt.

“The hospitality from all of the local teams, crews, everyone at Northline Speedway was second to none.

“My team gained some valuable experience running the Chariots of Thunder Series, so looking forward to getting back out there this year and hopefully we can hit the ground running heading into the 2017-18 season back home – like we’ve been able to do this season.”

Expression of interest for the 2017 Chariots of Thunder Series can be made to the Chariots of Thunder NT Facebook page or by emailing [email protected].

For any further information about the 2017 Chariots of Thunder, visit their Facebook page by searching Chariots of Thunder NT.