YOUNG Territorians swapped their usual classroom surroundings for an exciting trackside experience at the 2018 CrownBet Darwin Triple Crown.

Held on Friday, more than 200 students from 13 schools across the Top End had the chance to explore the buzzing Hidden Valley Raceway as part of the popular Students on Track program.

The program, which teaches students about mathematics, engineering and physical education from a motorsport perspective, also allowed youngsters to meet Supercar drivers Tim Slade, Todd Hazelwood and Craig Lowndes.

The three star drivers took part in a “junior press conference”, where students took the opportunity to ask their idols a range of questions. Two of the kids involved in the Students on Trackprogram were Doug Dupree, 11, of St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School, and Matthew Shellback, 13, of Sanderson Middle School.

“It was so cool to go to the racetrack and meet Craig Lowndes – he’s my favourite driver,” Matthew said. “We’re going to go into the pits and see all of the drivers and the cars,” Doug added.

Locals and tourists looking to lap up the action today at Hidden Valley can do so from 8.45am, with the 120km-Race 1 being held at 4.15pm.

Those looking to make the most of the party atmosphere tonight are encouraged to check out the “Race and Rock Concert” from 5.50pm until 8pm, which features popular music acts Jet and The Rubens.
Tomorrow, the Top Ten Shootout is set to get under way at 10.45am with the 200km-Race 2 kicking off at 1.30pm. Aside from the racing tomorrow, punters will also enjoy Australian Defence Force aerial flyovers, Hot Wheels Stuntz demonstrations and another Race and Rock Concert, with BLISS N ESO, Thundamentals and Mallrat.