The Northern Territory Government has announced that it has secured another “motor sporting coup” with the announcement yesterday of a five-year deal to host a round of the Australian Superbike Championship from 8-11 April this year.

Chief minister Paul Henderson said the Northern Territory Government has finalised negotiations to host the inaugural Territory round from at Hidden Valley Raceway.

“Securing competitions of this calibre reflects the Territory’s growing reputation as a place that can host world-class events; a place where sportsmen and women want to compete; and a place that attracts enthusiastic crowds,” Henderson said in an official statement. “Hidden Valley already hosts an annual round of the V8 Supercars Championships, and last year motor enthusiasts voted the Hidden Valley V8 weekend the best in the nation.

“Bringing the Superbikes to Hidden Valley will further enhance the Territory’s reputation as a motor sporting nirvana. It’s also expected to provide a boost to businesses in the traditional ‘shoulder’ period before the Dry Season tourism season begins.”

According to the release from the NT government, the Australian Superbike Championship will be made up of about 700 people, which includes teams, riders, support categories, sponsors and officials. The Superbikes will be joined on the four-day program by six support categories and a range of on-track entertainment, with an expectation of up to 80 factory and private teams making the journey to the Northern Territory, including manufacturers such as Ducati, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Triumph, KTM and Aprillia.