Supercars and the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) have announced a two-year naming rights partnership for the Darwin Triple Crown with garage door opener company, Merlin.

As part of the deal, the Supercars round, which takes place from June 18-20, 2021, will be named the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown for the next two Supercars seasons.

NTMEC CEO, Tim Watsford, said Merlin is a welcome addition for the Northern Territory’s largest motorsports event.

“The Merlin Darwin Triple Crown is the biggest event in the Territory, and has a loyal following of fans,” Watsford said.

“Many take the journey to Darwin each year to see their favourite drivers take on the unique track at Hidden Valley, with its 1.1km straight, which is one of the longest in Australia.

“In a normal year, the event attracts more than 30,000 visitors, and is viewed by thousands more through free-to-air broadcast.

“With multiple partnership choices out there, we are delighted Merlin has recognised the synergies between our event and their brand and look forward to the mutual benefits this partnership will bring,” he said.

Merlin director of marketing and strategic partnerships, Grant Emanuel, said: “We are incredibly proud to throw our support behind a sport that we love and become a race name sponsor for the upcoming Darwin Triple Crown.”

“This partnership with Supercars and our continued relationship with our brand ambassador, Supercars legend Greg Murphy, helps us showcase our Merlin offer to an audience of car enthusiasts who really value securing and protecting their prized possessions,” Emanuel said.

As part of the announcement, NTMEC also announced the event will feature entertainment performances from Powderfinger lead vocalist, Bernard Fanning, Ball Park Music, and Alice Ivy.

The Merlin Darwin Triple Crown will feature its largest program ever in 2021, with the Australian Superbikes, Super Stadium Trucks, Nitro Up North, Aeroflow Outlaw Nitro Funny Cars, and Australian Top Door Slammers also set to feature over the weekend of events.