Souped-up vehicles will descend on Alice Springs this weekend as Red CentreNATS (RCN), the Ultimate Festival of Wheels, celebrates a decade of tyre-shredding and, heart-thumping action.
The jam-packed program over the Father’s Day weekend, Friday 30 August to Sunday 1 September, has something for everyone from family-friendly fun to high-octane drags and burnouts. Entrants can compete for a share in more than $55,000 prize money with the Pro Burnout Series winner to take home $15,000.
“Make sure you’re a part of Red CentreNATS history and help us celebrate a decade of automotive action featuring top street machines, elite show cars, hot rods, classics, and exotics cruising the streets of Alice Springs,” said Summernats Co-owner, Andy Lopez.
“Join us to soak up the screeching, tyre-shredding fun as drivers send it in the burnouts and drags or watch on as they test their skills in the grass driving and Great Northern 4WD course.”
Vehicles of all shapes and sizes, including previous winners of the Red CentreNATS Champion will descend on Alice Springs to celebrate a decade of RCN. It is the only place in Australia where you can get a permit to legally drive your highly modified vehicle on the roads, and the spectacle continues all weekend as drivers cruise the streets in their souped-up rides.
RCN celebrations get into gear with the Lasseters Free Family Carnival on Wednesday 28 August, from 6pm, which will include music and kids entertainment. Scrutineering is also on from 4pm – 8.30pm Wednesday at Lasseters Centre of Entertainment. Fringe Festival, in partnership with Alice Springs Town Council’s Late Night program, returns on Thursday 29 August from 6pm with late night shopping, outdoor dining, live music and cars parked in Todd Mall and around Council Lawns.
Blatherskite Park will host the Great Northern 4WD Course, Show ‘n’ Shine and Grass Driving heats and finals on Saturday. There will also be plenty of family entertainment including Alice Springs Reptile Centre, swing dancing with Alice Swings and jazz band, Espie St Allstars. Vehicle enthusiasts can also check out the Hall of Fame – 10 Year Anniversary display, Desert Wheels Expo, 2024 Remote Control NT Titles or test their knowledge in the RCN Trivia.
Father’s Day Cars & Coffee on Sunday at Alice Springs Inland Dragway (ASID) is a prime opportunity to check out the vehicles before the action gets into gear. Red CentreNATS Supercruise, which allows entrants of any skill level to send-it down the dragstrip and burn out pad, returns to ASID. This year will also see the introduction of Junior Dragsters – an opportunity for the next generation of drags superstars to cut their teeth.
GN’R – The Australian Guns N’ Roses Tribute Show will perform on Sunday at the Podium Party at Lasseters Centre of Entertainment. The party will celebrate a decade of RCN as well as crown the Red CentreNATS 10 Champion.
Red CentreNATS is delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) in association with Summernats.
“Attendees can take the opportunity to see Uluru and Kata Tjuta, visit attractions like the National Road Transport Museum, and enjoy activities such as astronomy tours, sunrise hot air balloon rides, or camel rides,” said NTMEC CEO, Suzana Bishop.
To be a part of a decade of Red CentreNATS enter now or grab a spectator ticket at www.redcentrenats.com.au. A 3-Day Chrome pass is $80.
