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Media Release

30 August 2023

Red CentreNATS revving up for a big weekend of fun

Central Australia is preparing for a busy weekend of automotive action and colour with the return of Red CentreNATS (RCN) from 1-3 September 2023. This unique event is the only place in Australia where car fans can legally drive their highly modified vehicles on certain routes during the event, thanks to a special permit system.

Motor enthusiasts, who travel from around the country to take part, enjoy a packed program featuring all the favourites – including burnouts, drags, Shannons Show ‘n’ Shine, Great Northern 4WD Course, grass driving, Lasseters Motorkhana and the famous Yeperenye Street Parade. The parade is the largest of its kind in the country and sees hot rods, burnout cars, vintage and elite vehicles cruise through the town as people line the streets.

New this year and kicking off the action on Thursday, 31 August 2023, is the Fringe Festival. Taking place from 6pm-9pm, blue and green permitted vehicles can cruise into town and park up around the Alice Springs Town Council Lawns for an informal show ‘n’ shine. The evening will include food stalls, music and a pop-up cinema.

Also new this year is the Motorvation Supercruise, which allows entrants of any level to send it down the dragstrip and try their skills on the burnout pad in front of a packed crowd.

RCN, known as the Ultimate Festival of Wheels, takes place across Blatherskite Park, Alice Springs Inland Dragway and Lasseters Centre of Entertainment. There will be plenty of family friendly fun across all three. This includes Mulletfest, a Desert Wheels Expo, Father’s Day BBQ breakfast, laser tag, a pit-stop challenge, rides, reptile petting zoo and racing simulator. The fun will wrap up with a Podium Party on Sunday evening at Lasseters, featuring Angels tribute band Face to Face.

RCN is delivered by Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company in association with Summernats. To find out more and join the fun as an entrant or spectator, head to [http://www.redcentrenats.com.au]

Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company CEO Suzana Bishop:

“Red CentreNATS is one of the most unique events in the country. As well as delivering a massive weekend of entertainment for locals and visitors, it also injects money into the local economy. Independent research shows last year’s event generated a total expenditure stimulus of $6.9 million, of which a massive 90 per cent was new money.

“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. There is so much for people of all ages and it’s the perfect way to spend Father’s Day weekend.”

Quotes from Summernats Director Andy Lopez:

“It’s always a great time when we’re in Alice Springs for Red CentreNATS and I couldn’t be more excited to be heading back to see all our RCN family. There are some great additions to the program that we know entrants and spectators will get a huge kick out of as we build towards the next huge milestone for the event next year, when Red CentreNATS turns 10.

“From the Fringe Festival on Thursday night through to the burnout competition final and search for the Red CentreNATS Champion on Sunday afternoon, 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. I can’t wait!”

Media Contact: NTMEC Media 0412 352 850

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