Red CentreNATS fun to start early with new event

Rev those engines, Red CentreNATS (RCN) is back, and the program is packed with old favourites and new additions so motorsports enthusiasts can show off their wheels in even more ways.

The Ultimate Festival of Wheels, which will take place from 1-3 September 2023 in Alice Springs and is run in association with Summernats, will see thousands descend on the town for Australia’s most unique automotive festival across the Alice Springs Inland Dragway, Blatherskite Park and Lasseters Centre of Entertainment.

Thanks to the special permit system in place for RCN, Alice Springs becomes the only place in the country where participants can drive their highly modified, unregistered rides on the streets, adding to the impact the festival has on the city.

“Red CentreNATS delivers all the action motorsport lovers enjoy, in a truly unique location, attracting some of Australia’s rarest and most beautifully restored vehicles and their owners to Alice Springs to be a part of three days of motorsport fun,” NTMEC CEO Suzana Bishop said.

“RCN 2022 was responsible for generating a total expenditure stimulus in the Northern Territory, of $6.9 million, and $6.2 million was new money to the Territory.”

There are plenty of new attractions for entrants and spectators alike. On Thursday, August 31, from 6pm-9pm, the Alice Springs CBD comes alive with the brand new Red CentreNATS Fringe Festival. Entrants on green and blue permits are free to drive their wheels into a special RCN precinct, including Todd Mall, for a show ‘n’ shine out the front of the Council Lawns.

Also new to the program this year is the Motorvation Super Cruise, where all entrants are invited to smoke the tyres and power skid down Alice Springs Inland Dragway and through the burnout pad on Sunday.

Rev heads can also take part in all their favourite returning RCN activities, including rides in the Elite Shed at the Showgrounds, the burnouts, the heavy hitter drag racing, the Shannons show ‘n’ shine, taking part in the Great Northern 4WD course, trying their hand at grass driving, or the Lasseters Motorkhana and – everyone’s favourite – being part of the famous Yeperenye Street Parade, which most of the town turns out to watch.

Tickets for spectators and entrants are open now, with a three-day Chrome pass just $75. Visit www.redcentrenats.com.au