Red CentreNATS program marks 10th anniversary

The Red CentreNATS event - delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company in association with Summernats – will mark its 10th anniversary with an impressive program when it returns to Alice Springs from Friday 30th August to Sunday 1st September.

Red CentreNATS (RCN) offers a full program that will celebrate 10 years of the Ultimate Festival of Wheels. Entrants are also able to compete for a share in more than $55,000 prize money with the Pro Burnout Series winner to take home $15,000.

RCN, will see vehicles of all shapes and sizes descend on Alice Springs offering the only place in Australia where you can get a permit to legally drive your highly modified vehicle on the roads, and the spectacle continues all weekend as drivers cruise the streets in their souped-up rides.

NTMEC Chief Executive Suzana Bishop noted “Red CentreNATS is one of the most unique motorsport events in Australia and has been bringing enthusiasts to the heart of Australia for a decade and each year delivers a program that gets pulses racing.

“Travellers from interstate are encouraged to explore Uluru and Kata Tjuta, visit attractions like the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, and enjoy activities such as astro dining tours, sunrise hot air balloon rides over the MacDonnell Ranges, or camel rides.

“In 2023 Red CentreNATS was responsible for generating a total expenditure stimulus in the Northern Territory of $6.36 million. The independent research found that 85.2%, $5.53 million, of which was new money to the Territory.”

Summernats Co-owner Andy Lopez added “Red CentreNATS 10 is set to be the best one in ten years of the event! Reaching this milestone is a recognition of the passion and enthusiasm all of our entrants have for their vehicles, and how much they love getting them out on the roads of Alice Springs. We can’t wait to see what people bring to the celebration this time around.”

Revving up RCN celebrations is the Lasseters free family carnival on Wednesday 28th August from 6pm with attendees able to watch the RCN scrutineering with music and children’s entertainment. Fringe Festival, in partnership with Alice Springs Town Council’s Late Night program, returns on Thursday 29th August from 5.30pm with late night shopping, outdoor dining, live music and cars parked in Todd Mall and around Council Lawns.

Blatherskite Park will host the Great Northern 4WD Track, Show ‘n’ Shine and Grass Driving heats and finals on Saturday. There will also be plenty of family entertainment, a Hall of Fame – 10 Year Anniversary display and the 2024 Remote Control NT Titles.

For the first time Alice Springs Inland Dragway (ASID) will celebrate with a Father’s Day Cars & Coffee on Sunday before the action gets into gear. The Red CentreNATS Supercruise, which allows entrants of any skill level to head to the dragstrip and burn out pad for a spin, will return to ASID after the roaring success of last year.  This year will also see the introduction of Junior Dragsters – an opportunity for the next generation of drags superstars to cut their teeth.

The Podium Party will rock Lasseters Centre of Entertainment with GN’R - The Australian Guns N’ Roses Tribute Show taking to the stage. The party will celebrate a decade of RCN as well as crown the Red CentreNATS 10 Champion.

Central Australia is the ultimate location for vehicle enthusiasts with visitors encouraged to make the most of the stunning region with a road trip to explore what’s on offer from secluded waterholes, 4WD tracks and stunning landscapes.

To be a part of a decade of Red CentreNATS enter now or secure a spectator ticket at www.redcentrenats.com.au. A 3-Day Chrome pass is $80.