The fifth annual Red CentreNATS has attracted more entries and spectators to Alice Springs than ever before with 861 entries from across Australia and 16,468 attendances last weekend.

From 30 August to 1 September, Red CentreNATS 05 showcased over $80 million worth of cars and featured entertainment across three venues; Blatherskite Park, Alice Springs Inland Dragway and Lasseters Hotel Casino.

New for 2019, the Heavy Hitter drag racing feature category saw 20 of Australia’s fastest drag cars battle it out to win more than $10,000 in prize money.

Social media provided great viewing for those who couldn’t be there as the Red CentreNATS Facebook page had 127,000 drag and burnout video views.

Other highlights included the Burnout Masters, trophy karts competitions, a packed show’n’shine, grass driving challenges, dyno battles, elite show cars pavilions, and a 4WD course.

Thousands of people turned out for the street parade which saw hundreds of modified and custom vehicles cruise through the heart of Alice Springs in a spectacle of colour and noise

The Red CentreNATS Grand Champion, Burnout Masters Champion and an array of other awards were announced at the ever-popular Podium Party which featured DJ Hot Dub Time Machine.

Brent Murray took out the title of Red CentreNATS 05 Grand Champion with his 1968 Dodge Dart “EVL 68”, Casey Tolcher won the Burnout Championship in his 1985 VK Commodore Sedan “HI RI2K” and Warren Gersekowski won the Burnout Masters in a 1971 Holden HG Ute “1 TUF HG”.

For more information visit www.redcentrenats.com.au

Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:

“The Territory Labor Government is proud to support major events like Red CentreNATS which drive visitation, support local businesses and the Territory economy.  

“This iconic car festival is an important event which continues to grow each year with over 860 vehicles entering this year.

“Red CentreNATS has become a staple on the Northern Territory’s calendar of events, and I look forward to watching Australia’s Festival of Wheels continue to grow in size and popularity for years to come.”

Quotes from Summernats Co-owner, Andy Lopez:

“We couldn’t be happier with how Red CentreNATS 05 has gone and would like to thank all of the entrants, spectators and volunteers for supporting this year’s festival.

“Many of the entrants and spectators travelled huge distances to be at Red CentreNATS this year.

“Without this community, Red CentreNATS simply couldn’t happen. We’re looking forward to doing it all again next year.”

Quotes from Red CentreNATS 05 Grand Champion, Brent Murray:

“I was pretty pumped when I found out I won Grand Champion – I’m still on a high. We travelled over 2000km from Portland in Victoria to come here for our second Red CentreNATS.

“We just love it as the weather is great and you get to drive your car on the street, which doesn’t happen anywhere else in the country. It’s a great event and I’ll definitely be talking it up back home encouraging others to come along next year.”

Media Contact: Lisa Sennett 0436 929 858