Burnouts and drag races as Red CentreNATS takes over Alice Springs

The Red CentreNATS car festival, held annually in Alice Springs since 2011, attracted approximately 700 contestants this year. The event showcased street cruising, drag races, burnout competitions, and a street parade, contributing around $5 million to the local economy. Enthusiastic young Montana Taylor, from South Australia, proudly watched her father race his classic Ford Falcon in the competition.

Montana's family, along with many others, traveled from across the nation to participate in the festival, which celebrates all things automotive. The festival's program was extensive, featuring everything from classic muscle cars to modern muscle cars, drag races, burnout competitions and a street parade. A pale blue, 1984 Holden Kingswood ute, which had been a permanent fixture in Alice Springs for decades, was a standout among the vehicles.

Its owner, licensed aircraft engineer and pilot Paul Totani, proudly explained that the car was a family heirloom that they brought out once a year for the Red CentreNATS event. The festival's show and shine car display featured dozens of vehicles on display, with owners eager to share their stories. The Alice Springs Convention Centre was filled with proud car owners showcasing their vehicles.

The annual street parade drew a crowd as hundreds of cars lined the town's largest roundabout at the base of the MacDonnell Ranges, glistening in the afternoon sun. Local Alice Springs resident Lisa Morgan praised the event, stating that it brought the community together and added excitement to the town.