AusLeisure

The recently held eighth edition of the popular automotive festival - Red CentreNATS, set among the MacDonnell Ranges in Alice Springs - attracted a record-breaking 1,044 entrants over Father’s Day weekend.

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

The program this year offered 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 view 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.

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.

NT Minister for Major Events, Paul Kirby advised “this year’s Red CentreNATS has been a huge success with a record number of entrants, and thousands of spectators flocking to Alice Springs to experience the Ultimate Festival of Wheels.

“Set amongst the stunning MacDonnell Ranges, Red CentreNATS is unlike any other motorsports event in Australia and is a must-do on the Territory’s calendar of events.

“It’s easy to see the incredible benefits events such as these bring for our region, with hotels full, restaurants packed and tourism operators booking out well in advance.

“The Northern Territory Government is proud to support Red CentreNATS as an event that motivates visitors to head to Central Australia, helping boost visitation and our overall economy.”

Summernats co-owner Andy Lopez added “we’ve had a sensational week at Red CentreNATS 08. Top Fuel drag racing, Burnout Masters, amazing elite cars, crazy cars cruising the streets, and a record-breaking 1,044 entrants from all over Australia.

“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.”

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

Related Articles

1st November 2021 - Red CentreNATS event generated $7.25 million for the Northern Territory

10th July 2020 - Red CentreNats heads to Alice Springs in September 2020

7th June 2019 - NT WorkSafe accepts two enforceable undertakings for the 2017 Red CentreNATS incident 

9th January 2015 - Red CentreNATS rev into Alice Springs from September

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