Red CentreNATS 12 presented by LMCT+ has officially raised the stakes for 2026, announcing a record-breaking prize pool worth more than $130,000 in cash and awards up for grabs.

The announcement more than doubles previous prize offerings and cements Red CentreNATS as one of Australia’s premier motorsport festivals, rewarding competitors across burnouts, drag racing, dirt drags, show and shine and the coveted Grand Champion title.

Leading the charge is a massive $55,000+ burnout prize pool, including a staggering $50,000 Pro Burnout Series purse.

Red CentreNATS Director Andy Lopez said the event was committed to rewarding competitors and attracting Australia’s best street machines to Alice Springs.

“We’ve significantly increased the prize pool for Red CentreNATS because the competitors are the heart and soul of this event,” he said.

“The headline attraction is the Pro Burnout Series competition, which now boasts a $50,000 prize pool, making it one of the richest burnout events in Australia.”

“To put it into perspective, this Pro Burnout Series prize pool is now one of the biggest in Australia. Outside of the Summernats Pro Burnout Series Finals, there aren’t many opportunities for competitors to let rip on the pad for this sort of money.”

In addition to the cash on offer, competitors will compete for valuable Summernats 39 Pro Burnout Series Qualifier tickets and Wildcard entries, creating a direct pathway to Australia’s premier burnout event.

The Heavy Hitter Drag Racing program also sees over $20,000 in prize money on offer for the fastest sportsman and street drag racing cars in Australia. This unique racing format that sees 7 second to 12 second cars battling it out over the quarter mile on Saturday night.

One of Australia’s favourite drag racing categories, the iconic Wild Bunch features supercharged, alcohol-burning sedans and altereds coming together to bring all of the noise and speed as they race for the dedicated prize pool of $30,000. Putting on a show that only the Wild Bunch can.

“The Heavy Hitters Drag Racing format is a fantastic show and the prize money on offer at Red CentreNATS is bigger than anywhere else in Australia for this type of racing. The Wild Bunch brings the drag racing competition to another level, Watching these wild, unpredictable blown beasts laying down 6 and 7 second passes will be really exciting.”

The expanded motorsport program will feature a supercharged Dirt Drags prize offering, with $12,000 in prize money and awards available across the category for two wheel, four wheel, Motorbike and Extreme offroad competitors.

Lopez said the Dirt Drags designed to deliver an exciting spectacle for both competitors and spectators.

“Being Father’s Day weekend, we wanted to sure we put on a show. We’ve created a knockout-style format that will see competitors go head-to-head down our purpose-built dirt track, with serious prize money on the line.”

The elimination-style competition is expected to add another layer of excitement to the weekend, with competitors battling through successive rounds for a chance to claim the cash and be crowned champion.

“We’ve seen how much people love the dirt action at Red CentreNATS, so we’re turning it up another level. If you’ve got a capable 4WD, bike, offroad or dirt drag machine, we’re calling on entrants to take on the challenge and see if they can be the last one standing.”

Lopez said the increased prize pool, combined with new competition formats and national pathways, would make Red CentreNATS one of the most competitive editions in the event’s history.

“Whether you’re chasing trophies, prize money, national recognition or simply want to put your build up against the best in the country, Red CentreNATS 12 is shaping up as the event you don’t want to miss.”

He said the prize money announcement was only the beginning, with the full motorsport program to be unveiled later this week.

For full prize pool breakdown and to enter your vehicle, go to www.redcentrenats.com.au.

ABOUT RED CENTRENATS

With over $130,000 in prize money and awards on offer, Red CentreNATS 12 presented by LMCT+ is set to deliver its biggest and most competitive motorsport program yet.

Whether you’re bringing a burnout car, drag car, show vehicle, street machine, bike or 4WD, now is the time to lock in your entry and be part of Australia’s ultimate festival of wheels.

Red CentreNATS 12 presented by LMCT+
3 – 6 September 2026
Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Entries Open Now. Spectator Tickets will be available in July.