A fierce state and territory-focused contest, featuring one of Australia’s most iconic race cars, will be among the headline acts for the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series’ trek to Darwin from 29 April to 1 May.
The HQ Holden State of Origin Challenge will feature on the program in Round 2 of the Series at Hidden Valley, with the best HQ Holden racers from all over Australia expected to swarm to the Top End in the quest for their state or territory’s glory.
A unique format has been devised for the event, with two drivers to share each car and take turns in four sprint races – held on the Saturday and Sunday – before the event culminates in a two-hour endurance race on the Monday public holiday, complete with compulsory pit stops for tyre and driver changes.
Drivers will score points for their state/territory in each of the sprint races, with an award on the line for the best-performing state/territory over the course of the long weekend.
As part of the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series, the HQ Holden State of Origin Challenge will be treated to live television coverage across the SBS and Fox Sports platforms.
Hi-Tec Oils Super Series Hidden Valley Event Co-Ordinator Michael Fitzgerald said the HQ Holden State of Origin Challenge will showcase one of Australia’s most popular race cars to the Northern Territory audience.
“HQ Holdens have now been around for more than 50 years, and HQ racing has been part of the fabric of Aussie motorsport for over three decades,” Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald is himself an experienced HQ racer and recalled his experiences of competing at Hidden Valley.
“Up in the Northern Territory, HQ Holden racing has always had a big following and I have travelled there many times for great HQ events,” Fitzgerald said.
“Darwin is still home to some quality HQ drivers and teams, but they’ll have their work cut out keeping the interstate visitors at bay.
“HQ Holden racing is still predominantly the domain of grass roots motorsport competitors, so it’s fantastic we can give them the chance to compete in an event with the prestige factor of live television coverage.”
Benalla Auto Club General Manager Stephen Whyte, also an experienced HQ competitor, said the HQ Holden State of Origin Challenge is a worthy inclusion on the Hidden Valley program.
“Having HQs as part of the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series Darwin round was such an important inclusion – HQ Holden racing still has a place on a national stage,” Whyte said.
“Whilst it is a unique opportunity for competitors from other states to race at Hidden Valley, the crowd will get to see their home-grown talent competing against the best from around the country.
“The HQ Holden State of Origin Challenge adds to what is shaping up as a blockbuster event for us in Darwin, and we can’t wait to announce some other headline acts in the lead-up.
Hidden Valley will host the second round of the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series on 29 April-1 May; the Series commences at Winton Motor Raceway on 17-19 March.