Old favourites and new editions to make 2023 Red CentreNATS biggest yet
Alice Springs was abuzz with car fanatics as Red CentreNATS sped into town. See all the pictures from the unique event.
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The ninth annual Red Centre Nats went off in a blaze of glory in Alice Spirngs at the weekend.
Thousands attended the unique Central Australian event in which car fans were treated to the ultimate festival of wheels.
This year the Mulletfest joined in partnership with Red CentreNATS with the most outrageous cars joining forces with the most outrageous trim.
Scroll down to see all the pictures from the event.
Everything you need to know as Red CentreNATS returns
Motorheads are in for an event not to forget with Central Australia hosting the Red CentreNATS in what promises a weekend packed with automotive action and colour.
The unique event from September 1-3 is the only place in Australia where people can legally drive highly modified vehicles on certain routes.
Car fans can enjoy the jam-packed program featuring old favourites including burnouts, drags, grass driving, Shannons Show ‘n’ Shine, Great Northern 4WD Course and Lasseters Motorkhana.
The famous Yeperenye Street Parade will once again be a must-see, with everything from hot rods, burnout cars, vintage and elite vehicles set to cruise through the town.
New this year is the Fringe Festival which kicks off the action on Thursday where blue and green permitted vehicles can cruise into town for an informal show ‘n’ shine.
There is also the Motorvation Supercruise which allows entrants of any level to send it down the dragstrip and try their skills on the burnout pad.
The Ultimate Festival of Wheels takes place across Blatherskite Park, Alice Springs Inland Dragway and Lasseters Centre of Entertainment, with plenty of family friendly fun at all sites.
Other bits of entertainment across the weekend include Mulletfest, a Desert Wheels Exo, a Father’s Day BBQ Breakfast, laser tag, a pit-stop challenge, rides, reptile petting zoo and a racing simulator.
The Mulletfest will also join in partnership with Red CentreNATS with the most outrageous cars joining forces with the most outrageous trim.
Mulletfest has linked up with CDU Alice Springs to give CDU hairdressing apprentices practical training in haircuts, styling and show work, all of which will be eligible in the competition itself.
Award-winning hairdresser and Festival creator Laura Johnson was on site at CDU on Wednesday morning to give the students so expert tips.
The event will be donating to the Mark Hughes Foundation, contributing to brain cancer research, with it based at Lasserters from Friday.
Adults will be showing off their locks at Alice Springs Inland Dragway on Saturday, while kids and families will parade at Blatherskite Park on Sunday.
NT Major Events chief executive Suzana Bishop said research showed the 2022 event had delivered a total expenditure stimulus of $6.9m to the Territory.
“Red CentreNATS is one of the most unique events in the country,” Ms Bishop said.
“As well as delivering a massive weekend of entertainment for locals and visitors, it also injects money into the local economy.
“As the perfect excuse to take an iconic Aussie road trip to the heart of the country, Red CentreNATS draws competitors and motorsport fans from across the country, year after year.”
Summernats director Andy Lopez said he “couldn’t be more excited to be heading back” to Alice Springs for the Red CentreNATS.
“There are some great additions that we know entrants and spectators will get a huge kick out of as we build towards the next huge milestone next year, when it turns 10,” Mr Lopez said.
“From the Fringe Festival through to the burnout competition final and search for the Red CentreNATS Champion and all of the street cruising and action in between.
“This event remains the only place where modified car enthusiasts can use their cars the way they’ve always wanted to.”
To find out more and join as an entrant or spectator, head to redcentrenats.com.au
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