The *temperature* is set to soar in Australia’s ‘Top End’ this September as Superbike and Supercross talents come together in what will be the ultimate two-wheel event. Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway will host both the QBE Australian Superbike Championships (ASBK) and round 1 of the Australian Supercross Championships in a mega event weekend from September 12-15. The lightning-fast, no-holds-barred road racing series will pair up with the action-packed dirt bike discipline to showcase a talent pool rivaling the world’s best. Supercross riders will do battle on a track carved from dirt, with jumps and obstacles providing a tough test of speed, agility and athleticism. The event will mark the first ever venture to the Northern Territory for the Australian Supercross Championship, and the anticipated season opener. The change of season for Superbike riders will mean more favourable weather conditions, and the merger will help to bring more exposure to both sports. Adding to the atmosphere of the event will be demonstrations from Australia’s leading freestyle motocross riders and a host of entertainment and fun for the whole family. The winning formula of road and dirt bike racing was showcased at last year’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, and promoter International Entertainment Group (IEG) is eager to make the Top End trip a marquee event on the Australian motorsport calendar. Yarrive Konsky, Director of IEG, said his team was excited at the opportunity to bring the two premier racing disciplines together in one major event. “The Northern Territory loves its motorsport and has been so receptive to the Australian Superbike Championship,” said Konsky. “We are determined to take two-wheeled events to another level in the Top End and are excited to announce that both Championships will be held on the same weekend a first for our industry. “The staging of Supercross alongside the MotoGP last year was an international success, and we’ll build upon this formula for our visit in September. “The event will mark the opening round of the Supercross season, and the exciting and all-important closing stages of the Superbikes competition will be at its best.” David White, CEO of Motorcycling Australia, said the combination of two dynamic disciplines in one event would make for a great spectacle. “The ASBK and the Australian Supercross Championship are two of our premier motorcycle sport competitions, and we are thrilled that IEG will deliver both of these in Darwin this year,” said White. “Having road race and Supercross events run alongside one another is a dynamic combination for spectators and riders we saw this in action at the MotoGP in Phillip Island last year and we can’t wait to see it again in Darwin this September.” “The double program in Darwin will be a great chance for our Northern Territory spectators and enthusiasts to get down to the track and see two very different disciplines of motorcycle sport at the one venue. “Some fans may come for the road racing action, and some may come for the Supercross, but all of them will see some of our top Australian riders out on track doing what they do best.” Defending Australian Supercross Champion, Jay Marmont was excited at the prospect of racing in the Northern Territory and joining with the ASBK in one marquee event. “The Australian Supercross Championship had a great debut season and it is awesome to see that IEG are stepping it up with the 2013 plans,” said Marmont. “There has never been a national round of Supercross in Darwin so it is exciting to know we are bringing the sport live to a whole new audience. “It is such a great concept having both the ASBK and Supercross on the one weekend – this is a weekend not to be missed for any motorcycle racing fan. “I have never been to Darwin but I have heard it is a really great place and is home to everything I am into so I am really looking forward to heading up there later this year.” On-track ASBK activity will run for the event duration, with Supercross competitors to take to the custom-built track on Saturday for practice and qualifying, and Sunday for racing. Further event details, features and scheduling will be provided in the coming weeks.