The Street Machine Summernats, proudly supported by Rare Spares has officially launched the 30th instalment of Australia’s largest annual horsepower party.
Parliament House in Canberra and more than a dozen spectacular street machines provided the colourful backdrop to welcome the high octane four day automotive extravaganza back to Canberra, taking place this January 5, 2017.
Summernats co-owner Andy Lopez welcomed everyone in attendance and spoke of the significance of the events 30th birthday and the continued growth of the Summernats ahead of the event.
“It’s our 30th Birthday and we are growing, but certainly not growing up. We have gone from 1,200 cars and 75,000 people attending in 2010. Today I can confirm we have over 2,200 cars already entered to Summernats 30 with more expected. This is more than a 15 per cent increase on our best ever year and pretty jaw dropping,†said Andy.
“We are also expecting close to 110,000 people through the gates over the four days. The event is obviously doing something right, as it continues to attract those who have made it successful and yet also attracts new people every year.â€
The Summernats will kick off with the huge annual Citycruise on Thursday at midday, which is a great free event for the Canberra city. The action packed schedule continues over the four days including the world’s biggest burnout competition, the Burnout Masters, elite show judging plus great concerts with an all Aussie line–up including ARIA winners Drapht and Spit Syndicate, plus Airbourne and Thirsty Merc playing on Saturday night. Saturday evening will also see the awarding of Australia’s most coveted Street Machine award in the country, the Summernats Grand Champion.
“I want to thank the Summernats team who bring the event together every year. We have a total of 700 people employed in Canberra over the event over the four days in a huge variety of roles, working in what is a quiet time of year, which is great.
In 2015 an ACT Government commissioned economic impact report confirmed Summernats brings in around 20 million dollars into the ACT economy over the event period.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr was excited to once again launch the event on behalf of the ACT Government, speaking of the event’s virtues and the Summernats efforts in continuing to improve what is an ACT institution.
“To have an event with this much history and community support, to be still growing and be even more relevant in its 30th year is a testament to the strength of the event and direction it has taken under the new owner’s leadership. The event has diversified and been one that has attracted a broader audience as its grown older,†said Chief Minister Barr.
“The economic contribution the event makes to the ACT is well understood and one of the reasons the ACT government provides both in kind and financial support to Summernats.â€
“Turning 30 is an amazing achievement for any event in any context, but for a city like Canberra that is young in itself, to have an event so entwined in the city’s history over the summer months is a fantastic thing,â€
“From me, congratulations again on your 30th event, we look forward to it being a fantastic success and all of those numbers outlined are a testimony to a lot of hard work behind the scenes. We also look forward to a continuation of what’s being a successful partnership and it’s my honour to launch the event.â€
The 30th Birthday Bash for the Street Machine Summernats takes place between 5 -8 January 2017.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr with Summernats Co-owner Andy Lopez