SUMMERNATS 37
ENTRANT PARTY GUIDE
WELCOME TO SUMMERNATS 37
The entrant participation guide is event bible and contains everything you need to know about the event to have the best time.
It covers:
- What you get
- Competition information, prize money and awards up for grabs
- Important items you need to know so you can compete.
- All the extra activities at SN37
SUMMERNATS 37 COMMUNITY
This year, Summernats 37 entries sold out more than nine months in advance.
In an amazing display of passion from the automotive community, our four-day festival is on track to be the best yet, and our entrants are the stars of the show! Remember...
BURNOUT PAD IS FOR BURNOUTS
SKID ROW IS FOR SKIDS
CRUISE ROUTE IS FOR CRUISING
HOW GREAT IS CANBERRA!
Australia's Biggest Horsepower Party returns to Canberra for the 37th year.
WHERE TO STAY?
Whether you are looking to be amongst the action and camp onsite at Summernats, or looking for a cheap and cheerful caravan park, self-catered unit, serviced apartment, or luxury accommodation, there are options available across town. Be warned, they fill up fast!
Our friends at Visit Canberra have done the hard yards for you. Check out their recommendations here.
For more information on camping at Summernats, click here.
WHAT YOU CAN WIN
CRUISE ROUTE
Summernats offers a unique opportunity for all different types of entrant vehicles to cruise and show off their pride and joy to other entrants and the crowd of motorsport enthusiasts!
DO
- Gate 1 and Gate 9 for entrant access (gate 4 is Exit only)
- Have fun and make the most of the opportunity to cruise and show off your car
- Make sure you follow normal road rules as the still apply on the Cruise Route - Seatbelts on!
- Keep to the speed limit of 20km/h
- Make sure all passengers are in seats engineered to the vehicle and wearing seatbelts
- The entered driver is the person driving the car on the Cruise Route
- Drive carefully and give way to pedestrians and stop at pedestrian crossings.
- Be aware of your surroundings - especially around entering and exiting the Cruise Route
- Security and Event Officials are there to keep everyone safe - listen to their directions
- Children need to be in correct child restraints
DON'T
- Burnouts, quick skids or dangerous driving - we have a zero tolerance policy, and you risk losing your entrant rights (for the event and future events)
- Let anyone else drive your vehicle on the Cruise Route - only the entered driver is permitted to drive the vehicle
- Drink and drive - you'll have Police/Motorsport Australia to deal with. There will be Random Breath Testing occurring throughout the event.
- Ride in the back of a ute
- Cruise in a Competition Support Vehicle - only entrant cars can cruise.
- No trailers on the cruise route - park it in the dedicated (and free) trailer parking area.
CITY CRUISE
The Street Machine Summernats 37 City Cruise kicks off the event and lets car lovers show off their cool rides to the people of Canberra! Nominated entrants drive in a synchronised convoy to the heart of Canberra, parading before a crowd of thousands, before returning to EPIC.
WHO
Entrants can nominate on their application form, from there nominations, will be sorted by our Judging Team. Cars need to be street registered. Entrants who have been approved will receive an acceptance email prior to the event and your sticker will be issued at scrutineering.
WHEN
THURSDAY 2 JAN - Departing EPIC at 12:00PM
Invited entrants will form up from 9:00AM in the Main Arena.
DRIVERS BRIEFING
A compulsory drivers briefing is on Thursday 2 Jan at 11:00AM at the Main Stage.
QUICK REMINDERS
- All drivers and passengers in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt at all times, and must sit in a seat that is engineered for legal road use
- No drink driving, random breath testing will be conducted during form up
- The Summernats City Cruise takes place on public roads, all road rules apply and are enforceable
- Maximum cruise speed is 40km/h
- Have fun!
SUPERCRUISE
WHAT
The Street Machine Summernats 37 Supercruise is a slower paced cruise on Saturday evening on the Main Arena. This is your chance to parade your pride and joy around the Main Arena infront of thousands! Plus a chance to win Summernats Top Cruiser Award!
WHO
The Judging Team select Supercruise entrants at time of judging at the event, if you're looking to be involved in the Supercruise, let our Judging Team know.
WHEN
SAT 4 JAN
5:30PM - 6:30PM: Invited entrant form up
6:30PM - 8:00PM: Supercruise Session
CRUISE ROUTE DURING THE SUPERCRUISE
It's important to know that entrants not participating in the Supercruise - the Cruise Route will be closed for the duration of the Supercruise. This is to ensure our Supercruise vehicles can access/exit the Main Arena.
BRADDON FRINGE FESTIVAL
WHAT
Braddon Fringe Festival is an exclusive event to Summernats 37 entrants and takes place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in Braddon. The Braddon CBD area becomes an awesome park up of all things Summernats - almost like a massive show n shine!
WHO
Entrants can nominate on their application form, from there nominations will be sorted by our Judging Team. Cars need to be street registered and normal road rules apply. Entrants who have been approved will receive an acceptance email prior to the event and your sticker will be issued at scrutineering.
WHEN
- THU 2 JAN
- FRI 3 JAN
- SAT 4 JAN
Invited entrants will form up from 5:00PM on all three days.
ENTRY / EXIT
Entry and exit from Elouora Street - Braddon.
Braddon Fringe Festival is free to general public to access.
BURNOUTS, INCLUDING 70K+ PRIZE MONEY!
OPEN BURNOUT COMPETITION
PRIZE MONEY
WINNER: $5,000 + Billet Trophy + Wildcard ticket Summernats 38
SECOND: $2,500 + Billet Trophy + Wildcard ticket Summernats 38
THIRD: $1,000 + Billet Trophy + Reserved Entry to Summernats 38
WHATS AT STAKE
Wildcard tickets, prize money, trophies, and bragging rights as the Burnout Championship Winner for the 2025 season!
WHO
Entrants can nominate for a burnout time slot on their application form. After qualifying, the Top 40 will be invited back for Sunday's Open Burnout Competition Finals!
Entrants must be scrutineered for burnouts to compete and have purchased a Competition Fee with their application form.
WHEN
Open Burnout Competition contenders have selected their elimination time on their application form. Be ready to go 15 minutes before your time slot - car in staging lanes, ready to go.
Drivers briefings will be communicated directly to entrants closer to the event.
SAFETY FIRST
- FIRE SUITS meeting or exceeding SFI 3.2A/5 or FIA 8856:2000. Fire suits are mandatory for all drivers and passengers.
- All drivers and passengers must be wearing CLOSED TOE SHOES.
- HELMET meeting or exceeding AS/NZS 1698:2006 or UNECE 22.05 as a minimum. Helmets are mandatory for drivers and passengers, and need to be worn at all times while on the burnout track.
- SEATBELTS need to be worn at all times while on the burnout track.
- Vehicles competing in burnouts are required to have a FIRE EXTINGUISHER (Minimum 900g capacity AS1841) as per Motorsport Australia Regulations.
- The use of flame retardant balaclava, socks, gloves and shoes is highly recommended.
- Drivers and passengers will be BREATH TESTED in accordance with the Motorsport Australia Guidelines.
- Passengers must sign the Motorsport Australia Passenger Waiver, available in the Staging Lanes.
- No loose items in your car.
- No bonnet? Fan shroud must be present and blower belt guard if required.
PRO BURNOUT SERIES WILDCARD
WHATS AT STAKE
It's their last chance to get into Australia's Biggest Burnout Grand Final - The Pro Burnout Series! Only three of these cars will take a spot in the already tight field.
The Wildcard Shootout is merit-based. Wildcard qualifying spots have been awarded to high performing drivers from qualifying events during the year.
Wildcard competitors that don't secure a place in the Top 3 will be eligible to compete in the Burnout Championship category, where they will be slotted into the elimination rounds.
WHEN
Thursday 2 January 2025
SAFETY FIRST
- FIRE SUITS meeting or exceeding SFI 3.2A/5 or FIA 8856:2000 as a minimum, or other standards as recognised by Motorsport Australia. Fire suits are mandatory for all drivers and passengers.
- All drivers and passengers must be wearing CLOSED TOE SHOES.
- HELMET meeting or exceeding AS/NZS 1698:2006 or UNECE 22.05 as a minimum. Helmets are mandatory for drivers and passengers, and need to be worn at all times while on the burnout track.
- SEATBELTS need to be worn at all times while on the burnout track.
- Vehicles competing in burnouts are required to have a FIRE EXTINGUISHER (Minimum 900g capacity AS1841) as per Motorsport Australia Regulations.
- The use of flame retardant balaclava, socks, gloves and shoes is highly recommended.
- Drivers and passengers will be BREATH TESTED in accordance with the Motorsport Australia Guidelines.
- Passengers must sign the Motorsport Australia Passenger Waiver, available in the Staging Lanes.
- No loose items in your car.
- No bonnet? Fan shroud must be present and blower belt guard if required.
PRO BURNOUT SERIES GRAND FINAL
WHO
Pro Burnout Series Grand Final at Summernats is the world's wildest motorsport competition. Our finalists have already qualified at feeder events during the year.
WHATS AT STAKE
Prize money, trophies, and bragging rights as the Summernats Pro Burnout Series Champion for the 2025 season.
PRIZE MONEY
WINNER - $50,000 + Billet Trophy + Pro Burnout 2026 Series Ticket
SECOND - $7,500 + Billet Trophy + Pro Burnout 2026 Series Ticket
THIRD - $1,000 + Billet Trophy + Pro Burnout 2026 Series Ticket
FOURTH - Pro Burnout 2026 Series Ticket
FIFTH - Pro Burnout 2026 Series Ticket
SAFETY FIRST
- FIRE SUITS meeting or exceeding SFI 3.2A/5 or FIA 8856:2000, or other standards as recognised by Motorsport Australia. Fire suits are mandatory for all drivers and passengers.
- All drivers and passengers must be wearing CLOSED TOE SHOES.
- HELMET meeting or exceeding AS/NZS 1698:2006 or UNECE 22.05 as a minimum. Helmets are mandatory for drivers and passengers, and need to be worn at all times while on the burnout track.
- SEATBELTS need to be worn at all times while on the burnout track.
- Vehicles competing in burnouts are required to have a FIRE EXTINGUISHER (Minimum 900g capacity AS1841) as per Motorsport Australia Regulations.
- The use of flame retardant balaclava, socks, gloves and shoes is highly recommended.
- Drivers and passengers will be BREATH TESTED in accordance with the Motorsport Australia Guidelines.
- Passengers must sign the Motorsport Australia Passenger Waiver, available in the Staging Lanes.
- No loose items in your car.
- No bonnet? Fan shroud must be present and blower belt guard if required.
GRAND CHAMPION, JUDGING, AWARDS & MEGUIAR'S PAVILION
STREET MACHINE SUMMERNATS GRAND CHAMPION
There are four key components to the competition, being Judging, People’s Choice, Go-to-Whoa and Slalom.
WHO
Elite entrants, displayed in the Meguiar's Top 60 Pavilion.
WHATS AT STAKE
The one and only Summernats Grand Champion Sword, Prize money, and bragging rights.
PRIZE MONEY
WINNER - $10,000 + Grand Champion Sword + Reserved Entry to Summernats 38
WHEN
Summernats Grand Champion driving events occur on Sunday morning. Be sure not to miss the Grand Champion Cruise Route Parade on Sunday from 9:30AM as the Elite of the Elite cruise from the Top 60 Hall to the Burnout Pad in convoy - it's a sight not to be missed.
CATEGORIES
- Judging
- People's Choice
- Go-to-Whoa
- Slalom
More information can be found HERE
JUDGING
WHO
All entrants can nominate for their judging category at time of application.
WHATS AT STAKE
Prize money, trophies, and bragging rights for a range of prizes at Summernats 37.
PRIZE MONEY
Up to $9,000 spilt across multiple categories
WHEN
All pre-judging is conducted at scrutineering.
CATEGORIES
- Elite Judging
- Street Judging
- Tuff St Judging
More information can be found HERE
MEGUIAR'S PAVILION
Show off your work to the crowd and the Summernats judges and you could win one of a huge number of trophies and prizes. There are categories for all types of cars and an Elite Category for the best show cars in the country.
JUDGING
All pre-judging will take place during scrutineering. Cars are judged in several categories including paint, interior, engine bay, engineering and more. With the best performers invited to take their spot in the Top 60 display.
MEGUIAR’S GREAT UNCOVER
The hottest new elite builds are unveiled at Summernats on Thursday night at the Meguiar’s Great Uncover.
MAIN ARENA SHOW 'N' SHINE
Want to show off your car but don't want to put it through the judging process? Park up on the Main Arena from 9AM on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and let the huge Summernats crowd see the result of your hardwork.
HOW TO GET THERE
Follow the signs and head out to the Main Arena. Park up in the area and enjoy the summer weather in Canberra. Want to park up with your mates or a car club? Head out together and grab a good spot early.
WHO
All entrant can participate, there is no pre-reserved Show 'n' Shine spaces.
WHEN
- FRI 3 JAN
9AM - 4PM - SAT 4 JAN
9AM - 4PM - SUNDAY 5 JAN
9AM - 1PM
DRIVING EVENTS
GRASS DRIVING
There are a bunch of ways to enjoy your car at Summernats, but one of the most challenging is on the Main Arena, tearing it up in the grass driving events.
Attack the course with a combination of horsepower and skill to see if you have what it takes when real wheel-work is required.
THE COURSE
The grass driving course is the perfect chance for you to have some fun in your pride and joy. Whether you’re going head-to-head or are attacking the driving course, the main thing is follow the traffic cones and officials guidance!
PRIZE MONEY
$1,000 - DRIVERS CHAMPION WINNER
WHO
All entrant vehicles that have been scrutineered for Grass Driving and
meet the Motorsport Australia requirements.
SAFETY FIRST
- Entrants need to wear enclosed shoes and vehicles require a fire extinguisher.
GO WHOA
There are a bunch of ways to enjoy your car at Summernats, but one of the most challenging is on the Burnout Pad in the Go-Whoa competition.
Go Whoa competition involves drivers showcasing their vehicle control skills by accelerating their cars from a standing start ("Go") to a designated point ("Whoa"), where they must come to a complete stop as quickly and accurately as possible.
WHO
All entrant vehicles that have been scrutineered for Driving Events and
meet the Motorsport Australia requirements.
WHEN
SUNDAY 5 JAN
- 9AM - 11AM
SAFETY FIRST
- Entrants need to wear enclosed shoes and vehicles require a fire extinguisher.
MOTORKHANA (TARMAC TIME TRIAL)
There are a bunch of ways to enjoy your car at Summernats, but one of the most challenging is on the Burnout Pad in the Motorkhana competition.
A tarmac time trial competition is where drivers compete against the clock on a closed tarmac (burnout pad). In this type of competition, participants aim to complete a set course or circuit in the shortest amount of time possible.
WHO
All entrant vehicles that have been scrutineered for Driving Events and
meet the Motorsport Australia requirements.
WHEN
SATURDAY 4 JAN
- 9AM - 10:30AM
SAFETY FIRST
- Entrants need to wear enclosed shoes and vehicles require a fire extinguisher.
METHANOL MADNESS
I'VE NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE?!
Methanol Madness is a new event element for Summernats 37 - you've spoken and we're listening!
We're unleashing the wildest street machines onto the cruise route at once for a special session dedicated to the toughest of Tuff Street and all the mega-power, methanol-chugging vehicles on the property. Think monster superchargers, big noise, and the Summernats cruise route vibe turned all the way up!
WHO
Entrants who are nominated by our scrutineering/judging team - bonus points if you're running methanol!
We'll release more info, including timing, closer to the event!
SKID ROW
MORE INFO, PLEASE!
Skid Row is located in the Tuff St car park where entrants can turn tyres in a safe environment with a packed crowd watching on.
You do not have to be scrutineered for burnouts to use Skid Row, it's an extension of the cruise route.
WHO
All entrants who are permitted to cruise
RULES
- Seatbelts on
- Bonnet on
- No static burnouts, no popped tyres - if you come off Skid Row on rims, you'll be subject to Motorsport Australia disciplinary action - which can include future event exclusion.
- Flags rule - obey them and officials at all times
- No children under the age of 12
WHEN
Exact timing for the opening hours of Skid Row will be released closer to the event.
DYNO - HALTECH HORSEPOWER HEROES
Haltech Horsepower Heroes is a mainstay of Summernats. This is your chance to become a Summernats hero and break records if your car is up to it. With multiple classes there’s something for everyone and trophies to be won.
WHO
Entrants who have nominated for the Dyno will have been sent an email prior to the event to lock in a time slot.
REMEMBER
- Lock nut key for your wheels (Hub-Dyno)
- Bring your car ready to rumble free from leaks and running at peak performance
WHERE
MPW Dyno Cell, just off the Cruise Route on Main Street.
IMPORTANT STUFF YOU NEED TO KNOW
IN THIS SECTION:
FUEL
SCRUTINEERING
EVENT REGULATIONS
POWERPLUS FUEL DEPOT
If you need to fuel your car during the event, we've got you covered. Your beast won't go thirsty!
Whether your car runs on premium unleaded, E85 or methanol, we've got you covered at our onsite POWERPLUS FUEL DEPOT!
You can't bring your own fuel with you to Summernats - this is checked at the gate so please leave it at home. We do, however run a fuel depot on the Cruise Route you can use whenever you need while the Cruise Route is open.
The fuel depot is the only place you can refuel you car in the venue.
All fuel at Summernats 37 is supplied by PowerPlus and is available for purchase at the POWERPLUS FUEL DEPOT.
PRICING
Methanol - $3.50 per litre
E85 - $4.50 per litre
98 - $4.50 per litre
WHERE
Between the Burnout Pad exit and Skid Row exit.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I RUN OUT OF FUEL ON THE CRUISE ROUTE
Move it to the side so it's not blocking the Cruise Route, then ask one of our friendly officials or security guards to request a tow truck to take you to the Fuel Depot, or your campsite.
REMEMBER
- No jerry cans can be filled
- No mobile phone use in the Fuel Depot
- No smoking
- No naked flames in the vicinity of the Fuel Depot
EVENT REGULATIONS & SANCTIONING
SUMMERNATS IS SANCTIONED BY MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA
Summernats is sanctioned by Motorsport Australia.
This means Summernats operates under Motorsport Australia safety and competition regulations. Any vehicle participating in any driving events will be scrutineered in accordance with the Motorsport Australia standards and Event Supplementary Regulations.
The Summernats 37 Event Supplementary Regulations will be available closer to the Summernats 37 Event.
SCRUTINEERING
GIO STADIUM - ACCESS VIA HAYDON DRIVE & BATTYE STREET
Scrutineering is your first stop of the Summernats weekend as an entrant. Cruise in, get your car stickered up, and head out to enjoy everything Summernats has to offer. Our friendly scrutineers work hard to get you on the Summernats Cruise Route as quickly as possible so have everything you need ready to go before you get there.
WHAT
Click here to review the Entrant Scrutineering Guide. Check that your vehicle meets the requirements and scrutineering will be a breeze.
MY CAR IS STREET REGISTERED..
If you can drive is on the road, drive it to scrutineering - don't trailer it! It will be much quicker for you.
MY CAR IS UNREGISTERED..
Trailer it to scrutineering, you'll also need to purchase an Unregistered Vehicle Temporary Permit to cruise inside EPIC. This Permit does not cover Braddon Fringe Festival or any roads external to Exhibition Park in Canberra.
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA & SCRUTINEERING AT SUMMERNATS
Summernats is sanctioned by Motorsport Australia. This means we operate under their safety and competition regulations. Any vehicle participating in driving events will be scrutineered according to the Motorsport Australia Standards.
WHEN IS SCRUTINEERING
Each entrant selects a scrutineering time on their application form. This time is then confirmed on your approval email.
SAFETY NOTICE
Please make sure during the scrutineering process you stay with your car at all times - this is for everyone's safety.
BURNOUT PAD IS FOR BURNOUTS
CRUISE ROUTE IS FOR CRUISING
SKID ROW IS FOR SKIDS.
ACT Police and Worksafe have made it clear to us that we all need to keep our cool on the cruise route like we normally do.
If you muck up on the cruise route you may be removed from the show, and could be that person who gets the event closed down. For a day, or forever.
So rip a skid at skid row. Do burnouts on the burnout pad. Cruise on the cruise route. It's that simple.
Don't be that person.
