Supercars makes ‘seismic’ TV change for Darwin

The in-house production of the TV broadcast is traditionally done on site during race weekends with equipment and personnel travelling to each event.

That will change from this weekend onwards, though, with Supercars Media debuting a new Sydney-based hub model.

The drastic shift comes as part of a change in production partner for this season, NEP taking over from long-term provider Gravity Media.

For this weekend’s Darwin Triple Crown the production will be run directly out of NEP’s Andrews Hub in Sydney.

The broadcast director, producers, EVS, audio directors and other technical crew will work out of Andrews Hub rather than the Darwin circuit complex.

They will then produce the broadcast utilising over 140 video feeds, more than 120 audio feeds and eight data channels transferred from Darwin to Sydney via fibre optic cable.

The IP director and two editors will also work remotely in Supercars’ North Sydney office.

None of the commentary will be remote, however, with all on-air talent to continue to travel to the events along with camera operators and a skeleton technical crew.

The hub model will be used for the remainder of the Supercars season except for the Perth Super440, although a hybrid model will be in place for the Bathurst 1000.

“This is a seismic technological change for the telecast that brings enhanced efficiencies in the way we present Supercars for our fans,” said Supercars’ Head of Broadcast Nathan Prendergast.

“Supercars’ broadcast program has undergone a complete transformation heading into the 2026 season featuring a new production partnership with NEP, a revamped commentary line-up, and all-new hardware and graphics.

“This transition to remote production is the next step in evolving our broadcast with world leading technology at NEP’s Andrews Hub and connectivity to Hidden Valley enabling Supercars to continue providing viewers with a first-class television product.”

According to NEP boss Soames Treffry, the debut of the hub marks an Australian broadcasting milestone.

“NEP is really delighted to enable this Australian broadcasting first with a fully remote production workflow occurring from Darwin for the first time,” he said.

“It validates the investment by both NEP and Supercars in connectivity and a solution in 4K UHD HDR for the benefit of broadcasters and to fans, here and around the world.”

Matt Naulty will lead the Supercars call in Darwin this weekend in his second appearance alongside Garth Tander.

It is expected this will be the final round of the three-caller rotation system with Supercars to settle on its preferred lead caller out of Naulty, Chad Neylon and Richard Craill ahead of Townsville.