Red CentreNATS attracts over 10,000 to mark its 10th anniversary 

Red CentreNATS - delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company in association with Summernats - has celebrated its 10th anniversary in Alice Springs over the Father’s Day weekend, Friday 30th August to Sunday 1st September, attracting over 10,000 attendees and offering something for everyone from "family-friendly fun to high-octane drags and burnouts".

Entrants competed for a record share in more than $55,000 prize money with the Pro Burnout Series winner Christopher Smallmon taking home $15,000.

Organisers noted "more than 800 souped-up vehicles descended on Alice Springs, Northern Territory, as part of the event to celebrate a decade of tyre-shredding and, heart-thumping action."

The Red Centre welcomed representation, of both entrants and spectators, from every state and territory in Australia. The action-packed program included drags, burnouts, the Great Northern 4WD Course, Show ‘n’ Shine, grass driving and Lasseters Tarmac Time Trial.

Vehicle enthusiasts enjoyed a trip down memory lane with the Hall of Fame – 10 Year Anniversary display, Desert Wheels Expo, 2024 Remote Control NT Titles and tested their knowledge in the RCN Trivia. Australia’s largest street parade of its kind, 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.

The Fringe Festival, on Thursday evening saw around 200 cars and hundreds of people gather in Todd Street Mall and on the Alice Springs Town Council lawns for an informal show ‘n’ shine, live entertainment, and family fun.

Sunday saw Thomas Warr and his 1974 Holden HQ Ute crowned Red CentreNATS 10 Champion, while the 1987 VL Calais of Lee Povey, won the coveted People’s Choice Award.

Thomas Warr brought his late father Nigel Warr’s Red CentreNATS 8 (2022) winning 1974 Holden HQ Ute back to Alice Springs for the event that he loved the most, in a year that saw three former RCN Champions return to celebrate a decade of Red CentreNATS.

Northern Territory Major Events Chief Executive Suzana Bishop noted “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.

“This year was an extra celebration with 10 years of this iconic Ultimate Festival of Wheels. Seeing visitors and families, who have been to all 10 years of Red CentreNATS, is a great reminder how 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.”

Summernats Co-Owner Andy Lopez enthused "We’ve had an amazing time celebrating 10 years of Red CentreNATS. The cars and bikes have been amazing, the weather was perfect, and the passion and enthusiasm the town extends for the event each year is incredible. It’s been extra special to see so many entrants, their mates, and their families who have been to all of the ten years, including past champions, come and celebrate with us.

“I would like to thank the Alice Springs community who once again have welcomed visitors and entrants from all over Australia to enjoy this very special event. We can’t wait to get back to the heart of Australia on Father’s Day weekend next year and celebrate 11 years of the Ultimate Festival of Wheels.”

Red CentreNATS 11 is set to take place from 5th–7th September 2025, and Early Bird Entrant tickets are already on sale. For more information, visit www.redcentrenats.com.au