Red CentreNATS delivers for motoring fans and Alice Springs
The Ultimate Festival of Wheels returned to Central Australia over Father’s Day weekend from 1-3 September 2023, with thousands of rev heads and motoring enthusiasts attending Red CentreNATS (RCN) as entrants and spectators. RCN returns next year to celebrate its 10th birthday from 30 August to 1 September 2024.
This year, motorsport fans from across the country travelled to the stunning heart of the country to take part, coming from as far away as Tasmania. Events included drags, burnouts, Great Northern 4WD Course, Shannons Show ‘n’ Shine, grass driving and Lasseters Motorkhana.
RCN is delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) and Summernats on behalf of the Northern Territory Government. This year’s event attracted more than 14,700 attendances, and more than 800 entrants registered. NTMEC CEO Suzana Bishop said the strong turnout showed how entrenched RCN has become on the national events calendar.
“Red CentreNATS is a truly unique event in the heart of Australia that draws motorsport fans from across the country for an exciting weekend of automotive action,” Mrs Bishop said.
“We see people return year after year, which speaks volumes about the event and the experience people enjoy while they are here. Red CentreNATS also enjoys strong support from the Alice Springs community and delivers plenty in return.
“Last year’s event generated a total expenditure stimulus of $6.9 million. Just as important, it generates a fantastic vibe across the town, with elite, vintage and hot rod cars spotted all over the place thanks to a special permit that allows modified vehicles to be driven on certain roads.”
Summernats Co-Owner Andy Lopez said the weekend was an incredible experience, as always.
“The cars and bikes have been amazing, the weather is sensational, and the Alice Springs community has rolled out the red carpet to the thousands of people who’ve come from all over Australia to enjoy this very special event,” he said. “We can’t wait to get back to the heart of Australia for our 10th birthday on Father’s Day next year.”
The 2023 program kicked off a day early with the introduction of the new Fringe Festival, which saw around 200 cars and hundreds of people gather in the Alice Springs CBD for an informal show ‘n’ shine, and the Motorvation Supercruise on Sunday, with entrants of all skill levels ‘sending it’ down the dragway before having a crack at a skid on the burnout pad.
Australia’s largest street parade, the Yeperenye Shopping Centre Street Parade, saw hundreds of vehicles, from hot rods and motorbikes to elites and vintage rides, cruise through the packed town centre on Saturday afternoon. Sunday saw Brent Murray and his 1968 Dodge Dart crowned Red CentreNATS 09 Champion. The Rusted Gems project took out the Minister’s Choice Award. The project sees Indigenous students take part in workshops to restore and decorate cars they then enter in Red CentreNATS.
Limited Early Bird entries for the 10-year anniversary of Red CentreNATS in 2024 are available now. To enter, visit www.redcentrenats.com.au