Biggest ever Red CentreNATS wraps up in Alice Springs

A record-breaking 1,044 entrants descended upon Central Australia over Father’s Day weekend for the eighth annual Red CentreNATS.

The popular automotive festival attracted over 13,500 attendances across three venues; Alice Springs Inland Dragway (ASID), Blatherskite Park and Lasseters Centre of Entertainment. A whopping 560 cars lined up for the famous Yeperenye Street Parade, which saw most of Alice Springs turn out to watch.

The program this year was bigger and better than ever, with car enthusiasts lapping up all the adrenaline-pumping action. This included the Burson Auto Parts Australian Top Fuel Championship, Top Doorslammer Australia and Heavy Hitters Drag Racing, and the burnouts.

Thousands of spectators filled Blatherskite Park to check out the many attractions including the Great Northern 4WD Course, grass driving, Shannons Show ‘N’ Shine, and the decorated and restored vehicles on display as part of the Rusted Gems Indigenous Program.

Summernats co-owner Andy Lopez said the team had a sensational week at Red CentreNATS 08.

“Alice Springs has opened its arms to us again, and we’ve loved every minute. We’ve had close to 200 entries for 2023 already and we can’t wait to get back,” he said.

Nigel Warr in 74UTE took out the highly sought-after Red CentreNATS 08 Grand Champion title, with Robert Cottrell in 4DH8RS and Peter Beauchamp in WILDFB winning the Burnout Masters and People’s Choice awards respectively.

The Street Parade saw everything from hot rods to elites form a colourful convoy that snaked its way through Alice Springs, and kicked off following the first ever Red CentreNATS Wedding. Red CentreNATS also hosted an official round of Mulletfest, which saw mullets of all shapes and sizes celebrated at venues throughout the weekend.

Australia’s Ultimate Festival of Wheels wrapped up with a Podium Party at Lasseters Centre of Entertainment, where event goers celebrated the Red CentreNATS newlyweds as part of a public wedding reception featuring AC/DC tribute band High Voltage.

Red CentreNATS will return to Alice Springs over Father’s Day weekend in 2023, from 1-3 September. Entries are now open, visit www.redcentrenats.com.au.