Thousands of rev heads and car lovers put the pedal to the metal and showed off their wheels over a glorious Father's Day weekend in Alice Springs at Red CentreNATS (RCN). The event, which is set to celebrate 10 years next year, will return from 30 August to 1 September 2024.
More than 800 entrants registered for RCN this year, and the event drew more than 14,700 attendances. The Ultimate Festival of Wheels, which is delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) in association with Summernats, took place from 1-3 September 2023, and saw motoring fans from across the country travel to take part. There was representation from every jurisdiction, even Tasmania. Events included drags, burnouts, Great Northern 4WD Course, Shannons Show 'n' Shine, grass driving and Lasseters Motorkhana.
The fan favourites were joined on the program by the new Fringe Festival, which saw around 200 cars and hundreds of people gather in Todd Street Mall and on the Alice Springs Town Council lawns on Thursday evening for an informal show 'n' shine. The Motorvation Supercruise on Sunday was also new, with entrants of all skill levels sending it down the dragway before doing a skid on the burnout pad.
The Yeperenye Shopping Centre Street Parade, the largest of its kind, 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, while the Rusted Gems project, which sees Indigenous students take part in workshops to restore and decorate cars they then enter in RCN, won the Minister's Choice Award.
Limited Early Bird entries for RCN 2024 are available now. Visit www.redcentrenats.com.au
Quotes from NTMEC CEO Suzana Bishop:
"Red CentreNATS is a truly unique event in the heart of Australia, drawing motorsport fans from across the country for a weekend of automotive action.
"The event supports local businesses, not just tourism and hospitality, but also others, such as those that service the events industry and the motoring trade, and those along the routes taken by entrants who enjoy an iconic Aussie road trip to get their car to Alice. Last year's event generated a total economic stimulus of $6.9 million for the Territory.
"I look forward to welcoming everyone back for the 10-year anniversary of Red CentreNATS next year, which is sure to be an extra special celebration."
Quotes from Summernats Co-Owner Andy Lopez:
'We've had an absolutely awesome time at Red CentreNATS 09. 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. We can't wait to get back to the heart of Australia for our 10th birthday on Father's Day next year."
