Northern Territory Major Events Company
An epic weekend has wrapped up in Alice Springs with the conclusion of Red CentreNATS. The action-packed three days saw 750 entrants show off their pride and joy in a number of ways, from the perfection on display at Shannons Show n Shine to the skilled handling of vehicles on the burnout pad.
Entrants came from all over Australia, making it a truly national event. Graham Miller from Morayfield, Queensland, was crowned Grand Champion. His ice blue 1964 EH Holden sedan with a cream leather interior scored him the top spot.
The event recorded 10,212 attendances, and attracted a screen audience, being live streamed around the world. Two of the judges even tuned in remotely, judging from Perth and Canberra.
What seemed like the whole of Alice Springs lined five kilometres of the roadside to watch the Yeperenye Shopping Centre Street Parade, which saw almost 400 cars travel from Blatherskite Park into town and back again.
In a surprise addition for fans, Alice Springs artist Lachlan Dodds took part in a burnout demo before jumping from the car to perform a Welcome to Country. He then presented NT Major Events Company CEO Tim Watsford with a helmet he has painted in the Central Desert dot style. The helmet will form part of the Welcome to Country at future Red CentreNATS. Lachlan’s work also features in Parrtjima, which begins on Friday and runs until 22 September. Visit www.parrtjimaaustralia.com.au
Entries are open now for next year’s Red CentreNATS, which will take place from 3-5 September 2021. Don’t miss out – visit www.redcentrenats.com.au to enter.
As stated by NT Major Events Company CEO, Tim Watsford:
“What a weekend for Alice! It’s been a really tough year for everyone, but Red CentreNATS brought some light relief to town, and to the thousands of people who enjoyed hours of action at different venues, and explored what the region has to offer.
“Territorians really got behind the event, with more entering for the first time than ever before, and it was incredible to see so many people travel here for the event from interstate. Travel difficulties were no barrier to this keen crowd.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Alice next year for another unforgettable Red Centre experience, and encourage those heading home to explore as much of the Territory as they can on their way home.”
As stated by Summernats co-owner Andy Lopez:
“Red CentreNATS 06 was amazing, and people from all over Australia came to the Alice to celebrate their love of wheels. And what a show! Graham Miller drove his beautiful EH like a man possessed to win Grand Champion, and Wal Gersekowski is our first back to back Burnout Master in 1 TUF HG.
“The team and the community achieved something pretty special these last few days, and to be honest, it’s a bloody good feeling to get everyone together at an event.”
As stated by Red CentreNATS 06 Grand Champion, Graham Miller:
“It was amazing to win Grand Champion, it was not expected at all. This is our first Red CentreNATS and we’ve had an awesome time – everything has been really well organised over the weekend.
“Winning Grand Champion and driving in the Street Parade were definitely highlights for me. Just seeing all the locals come out to watch was amazing – we’ve never seen anything like it.”
