Summernats 2021 cancelled due to EPIC’s continued use as COVID-19 testing facility

Summernats 2021 has been cancelled due to the Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) centre that hosts the event continuing to be used as a COVID-19 testing facility until the end of November - with no guarantee that will not be extended. At this stage the event has been rescheduled from 6th to 9th January 2022.

The ACT Government announced earlier this year that it would be making testing for COVID-19 more accessible for Canberrans who meet the testing criteria, with the introduction of a drive through Respiratory Assessment Clinic located at EPIC from Friday 20th March.

Act Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the drive through clinic would complement the dedicated Respiratory Assessment Clinic already operating from the Weston Creek Walk-in Centre as well as the Canberra Hospital’s Respiratory Assessment Clinic.

Advising of the cancellation, Summernats Managing Director Andy Lopez stated that “we tried really hard but we just couldn't get the Summernats we all love over the line. The new rules for holding major events in the ACT means that events of more than 5000 people (that aren’t in stadiums) aren’t allowed under COVID-19 restrictions.

“All tickets already purchased for Summernats will automatically transfer to January 2022 at the 2021 prices. This includes camping passes and allocated campsites. You don’t have to do anything at all. If you have any questions, please head to the website rather than calling the office.”

The cancellation is expected to significantly impact Canberra's economy with the Summernats reportedly injecting more than $30 million every year into the ACT.

Summernats organisers are working with the ACT Government to bring something else to car enthusiasts in Canberra in 2021, although the planned event will be smaller than normally held.

Lopez adds “we've been working on a series of events that will take the Nats experience across Australia, and then we’re back to a full Summernats in 2022.”

On offer over the Canberra Day long weekend in March 2021 will be the “Summernats Rev Rock n Roll” Festival in which a maximum of 5,000 spectators and participants will hopefully still get a car show. Plans for the two-and-a-half day event include a burnout competition, cruising exhibition, brand exhibits, unveilings and a show.

Lopez advises "It will be within the guidelines have a 5,000 person capacity and will be only in the top half of Exhibition Park.

The ACT Government were pleased that Summernats were working in partnership with the ACT Government to evolve the event and operate in a COVID-safe way with ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr noting "Summernats is an important event on the Canberra calendar, bringing tens of thousands of visitors each year to town who support local businesses.

"We look forward enjoying the different event in March 2021 and to welcoming back Summernats in 2022."

Summernats organisers are also planning to deliver the following events in 2021:

Summernats Slam 8th to 10th January

A new party at Sydney Dragway is on the Summernats weekend and will include drag racing, burnouts including Masters qualifying, show and shine, and judged awards with more than $30,000 in prize money on offer. Strictly limited to 5000 people including entrants.

Meguiar’s MotorEx 6th to 7th February

Event held at Melbourne Showgrounds in 2021

Rockynats 2nd to 5th April and Red CentreNATS 3rd to 5th September

Rockhampton at Easter for the first Rare Spares Rockynats, and Alice Springs on Father’s Day for Red CentreNATS in September.

Tickets will be on sale for all new events very soon. For more information on ticketing and events go to summernats.com.au

Image courtesy of Summernats Facebook