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Entrant FAQs
Who sanctions Summernats?
Summernats is officially sanctioned by Motorsport Australia.
How will I know if I have been approved?
You will receive an email once your vehicle application has been submitted. Please note that applications will not proceed to the approval stage until full payment has been made. Approval may take up to 14 days. Once approved, you will receive an email with your entrant number and scrutineering times. You can also check the status of your application at any time by logging into The Shed.
How can I get my car judged?
Pre-judging takes place during scrutineering. Simply let our officials know that you would like your car judged and they will direct you to the right area.
How can I unveil a car?
Unveils at Summernats generally book out up to two years in advance. To apply, complete an expression of interest form HERE
Do passengers need a ticket for the City Cruise?
Yes. All passengers must hold a valid Summernats ticket, as the City Cruise begins inside the venue.
Do I have to pay to enter Skid Row?
No. Skid Row is free for all approved Summernats entrants. You just need to be an approved entrant to take part and must follow the guidance of officials.
Can I ride in the back of a ute?
No. You must be seated in an engineered seat within the vehicle and wear a seatbelt.
How do I enter the Dyno Competition?
Keep an eye on your emails closer to the event for entry details, or speak directly with the Dyno team during the event.
Where can I park my trailer?
Trailer parking is available outside Gate 7 at Exhibition Park in Canberra and is free of charge. Please note that trailers and their contents are left at the owner’s risk and must be secured appropriately.
Can I bring my own fuel to Summernats?
No. Fuel is a prohibited item and any fuel or empty jerry cans will be confiscated on entry and will not be returned. An onsite petrol station is available, stocking Methanol, E85 and 98 Octane.
What are the PPE requirements for burnouts at Summernats?
Burnout competitors must meet the following minimum requirements:
- A fire suit meeting or exceeding SFI 3.2A/5 or FIA 8856:2000, or another standard recognised by Motorsport Australia
- Closed-toe shoes
- A helmet meeting or exceeding AS/NZS 1698:2006 or UNECE 22.05
- A fire extinguisher with a minimum 900g capacity (AS1841), in line with Motorsport Australia regulations
What are the scrutineering requirements?
Full scrutineering requirements can be found HERE
What do I need to bring to scrutineering?
You must bring:
- A valid, current driver’s licence
- Entrant tickets, with the name matching your licence
- Any PPE required for competition
- Your entrant vehicle, ready for judging and scrutineering
Can you do skids on the cruise route?
No. There is zero tolerance for skids on the cruise route.
Can I change my vehicle at scrutineering?
No. All vehicle swaps must be completed at least four weeks before the first day of scrutineering. Swaps cannot be made during scrutineering. All vehicle swaps must meet the Scrutineering Minimum Requirements and go through the same approval process.
What license restrictions apply?
All entrants must hold a current, unrestricted and unsuspended driver’s licence. Learner drivers are not permitted. Provisional licence holders may enter but some restrictions apply. Licences will be checked, so please be honest. For full details, refer to the Summernats Entrant Terms and Conditions.
What is the difference between the City Cruise and the Supercruise?
The City Cruise takes place on Thursday of Summernats and features registered vehicles cruising Northbourne Avenue. Entrants can nominate for this on their application form.
The Supercruise happens on Saturday evening in the Main Arena. It is a slower-paced cruise and entrants are selected by the Judging Team during the event.
Can I nominate for the City Cruise if my vehicle is unregistered?
No. Only registered vehicles are permitted in the City Cruise. This is checked both when you nominate and again at scrutineering.
Where does the City Cruise go?
The City Cruise begins at Exhibition Park in Canberra, travels along Northbourne Avenue, turns at the end, and returns down the opposite side of the road, finishing back at Exhibition Park.
How do I enter drifting?
Drifting at Summernats is an exhibition only and is run by Drift Cadet.
How can I reserve an entrant number for the next Summernats?
Entrants will receive an email with details on the process closer to the event.
Are entries open for bikes?
No. Summernats is only open to vehicle entries.
How old must I be to ride as a passenger in a burnout vehicle?
You must be 18 or older to be a passenger in a burnout vehicle, unless you are an entrant yourself. Entrants under 18 are exempt, as they have already provided parental permission.
Can I cruise if my vehicle runs slicks?
No. Vehicles running slicks cannot cruise and will be issued a No Cruising sticker at scrutineering.
Where can I leave my car overnight?
There is no designated area for entrants to leave cars overnight. If you have a campsite, you may leave your car there at your own risk. If you do not have a campsite, we recommend taking your vehicle back to your accommodation and on a trailer if it is not registered.
What ticket do I need to be a passenger on the cruise route?
Your event ticket is all you need to access the event. To join the cruise route, simply find an entrant willing to take you along, no extra tickets are required.
Spectator & Ticket FAQs
How Do I Buy Spectator Tickets?
Spectator tickets are on sale now through OzTix. Buy early to lock in your spot. Once they’re gone, that’s it! Visit summernats.oztix.com.au to get your tickets.
Where will the different events and concerts be held?
All the action takes place at Exhibition Park in Canberra. Concerts are held on the main stage in the centre of the main arena. You can’t miss it!
Where is the best place to sit to watch the City Cruise?
The best views are along Northbourne Avenue. It’s the perfect spot to watch the City Cruise roll past.
Will there be bars?
Yes. You’ll find bars throughout the venue, plus slushie machines to keep the party going.
How can I enter the mullet competition or tattoo competition?
Just see our staff at the event and they’ll point you in the right direction.
How do I use a Companion Card for Summernats?
Our ticketing partner OzTix can assist you with Companion Card enquiries. Contact OzTix for more information.
What should I do if I have an issue with my tickets?
Please contact our ticketing partner OzTix for assistance. Visit oztix.com.au/customer-support for more information.
Do I need to buy separate tickets to see the concert?
No. Concert entry is included with your Season Pass or event ticket. Just make sure you have a ticket for the day the concerts are on.
What is the difference between the City Cruise and the Supercruise?
The City Cruise takes place on Thursday and features registered vehicles cruising along Northbourne Avenue. The Supercruise happens on Saturday evening in the Main Arena and is a slower-paced cruise.
Is a Season Pass a four-day ticket?
Yes. A Season Pass gives you access to all four days of Summernats action, including the concerts.
How can I get a shaded seat at the Burnout Pad grandstand?
To secure an undercover seat, you’ll need a Platinum Pass. A limited number of grandstand seats are available for General Season Pass holders, but these are not shaded and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Camping & Accommodation FAQs
I want to book accommodation for the event. Where do you recommend?
You’ve got two options: camp on-site and stay right in the heart of Summernats, or check out Visit Canberra for a full range of hotels, motels and other accommodation around the city.
Does my campsite ticket give me access to Summernats?
No. An admission ticket must be purchased in addition to your campsite ticket.
Do I need a vehicle pass for camping and can I move my car around?
- All vehicles must display a valid pass to access the campgrounds.
- Vehicle passes are required for non-entrant vehicles.
- Camping vehicle passes are for static vehicles only.
- Camping vehicles are not permitted to move around the venue.
Are there different camping areas for entrants and spectators?
Yes. Some campsites are reserved for entrants only, while others are available for spectators.
I’M BRINGING EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK, WHAT HAPPENS IF I LEAVE IT ON MY SITE AFTER CAMPING CLOSES ON SUNDAY?
We will charge a removal and cleaning fee to the group contact. No questions asked. Our crew are extremely busy packing down the venue after the event and we don't want to deal with removing that old couch you picked up on the way in.
I’M A SPECTATOR CAMPING, HOW DO I GET ALL MY ITEMS TO MY CAMPSITE?
Great news! We are introducing new shuttle bus services. Further details on shuttle times and locations will be sent to campers closer to the event.
I’M A SPECTATOR, CAN I BOOK A MARQUEE?
No. Marquees are only available in entrant camping areas.
WHO CAN I BOOK A MARQUEE WITH?
Barlens is our preferred supplier. Contact them directly for a quote on (02) 6206 2020 or visit barlens.com.au
WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH MY CAMPSITE TICKET?
Each site includes camping for one person. Additional campers must purchase a separate camping pass.
I NEED FIRST AID ASSISTANCE IN MY CAMPSITE?
Flag down a security guard or a member of the event staff for assistance.
CAN I GET INTO THE EVENT WITH A CAMPING PASS OR CAMPSITE TICKET ALONE?
No. You will still need to purchase a Season Pass through our ticketing website.
CAN I BRING A CARAVAN/MOTORHOME?
Yes. We have a limited number of sites suitable for caravans, motorhomes and campervans. You will need to purchase a camping vehicle pass as well as a campsite ticket. Please enter your vehicle size on the bookings page to view the sites suitable for your vehicle. A dump point for sullage is located at Torque Campground. Caravans are not permitted to discharge waste water onto the ground.
CAN I BRING A PET?
Assistance dogs supporting patrons with disabilities are permitted. No other animals are allowed.
DO KIDS NEED TO PAY?
Children aged 10 and under may camp for free with an adult. Youths aged 11 to 17 require their own camping pass.
CAN I BRING AN AIR CONDITIONER / MICROWAVE / FRIDGE?
No. Large appliances can overload the electricity supply and cause area-wide outages (and you will not be keeping those snags cold if that happens).
- Fridges are permitted if under 180L.
- Microwaves and air conditioners are not permitted.
WILL MY SITE HAVE POWER AVAILABLE?
Some sites have power, but not all. Please review the site description carefully before booking to check if power is included.
If your site does not have power, communal areas are available for charging phones. Please be considerate and do not hog the facilities.
I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION AND I NEED POWER ON MY SITE?
Contact our camping staff and they will help you find a suitable area.
CAN I BRING A GENERATOR?
No. Generators are not permitted in any camping areas.
CAN I STORE FUEL IN MY CAMPSITE?
No. Under the Terms of Entry, fuel is not permitted onsite. A fuel depot is available within the venue.
CAN I BRING A BBQ?
Yes. Gas barbecues are permitted, and gas burners may also be used for cooking. If you are bringing a gas cylinder, it must be in date and under 9kg.
IT’S COLD IN CANBERRA, CAN I HAVE AN OPEN FIRE?
No. Open fires are not permitted. Our fire crew need to be at the burnout pad, not attending campsites.
WHERE ARE THE ACCESSIBLE CAMPING AREAS?
Accessible shower and toilet facilities are located in Torque, Party Paddock and Ignition. Please note that some sites are not suitable for wheelchair access, particularly during wet weather.
If you require an accessible area, inform our camping crew when booking so that suitable arrangements can be made.
WHEN CAN I START CAMPING?
Entrants camping on Wednesday night must have a Wednesday Warm-Up ticket and be scrutineered before they can camp. Spectator camping opens at 9:00am on Thursday 8 January.
CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD?
Yes. Please note that only small glass jars are permitted. Remember, alcohol and commercial quantities of food are not allowed.
CAN I BRING A LOUNGE?
Yes. However, you must take it with you when you leave. As stated in the Camping Terms and Conditions, any items left behind at your campsite will incur a removal fee, which will be invoiced to you.
DO YOU HAVE CAMPING SPACES BIG ENOUGH FOR TRUCKS / TRANSPORTERS / BUSES?
Yes. We have a limited number of oversize camping spaces for trucks, transporters, buses and goosenecks. If you do not book one of these sites, your oversize vehicle must be left in the designated area outside the event precinct, as there is not enough space inside.
WHAT CAN'T I BRING?
Any item listed below that is confiscated will not be returned at the end of the event. These conditions apply in conjunction with the Event Conditions of Entry.
Prohibited items include:
- Alcohol purchased outside of Summernats event grounds
- Illicit substances and paraphernalia, including unidentifiable substances.
- Canisters of nitrous oxide or CO₂
- Fuel of any type
- Glass bottles
- Motorcycles
- Motorcycle club colours
- Flares, fireworks, explosives or fire-twirling equipment
- Weapons or explosives of any description
- Fires, candles or open flames
- Air horns or sirens
- Generators
- Protest paraphernalia and banners
- Any clothing that could be mistaken for event personnel including hi-vis
- Pools and spas
- Professional photography equipment
- Drones or any other remote-control devices
- Clothing bearing racist language or imagery
- Skateboards, scooters, roller skates, bicycles, motorbikes, segways or hoverboards (motorised or non-motorised)
- Golf carts or any personal motorised vehicles
- Motorised eskies
- Gas bottles heavier than 9kg (inclusive of gas)
- Kettles, toasters, fridges over 180L
- Furniture not intended to be taken home
- Platforms, structures or materials used to erect platforms or viewing structures
- Anything the event organiser reasonably considers to obstruct the view or jeopardise safety, comfort or experience of other patrons
- Animals, other than assistance animals recognised under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth). Evidence may be requested by Summernats and/or security staff
- Lasers
- Loud hailers or megaphones
- Spray cans of paint
- Any other item considered illegal or dangerous by event personnel
Transport FAQs
What’s the best way to get to Summernats at Exhibition Park in Canberra?
Parking is tight. Your best bet is Park & Ride or the Canberra Light Rail. Both drop you right at EPIC. Taxis, rideshare and scooters are easy options too. Skip the stress, get dropped off close and get inside faster.
How does Park & Ride work?
Roll in, park for free all day, then jump on a rapid bus or light rail straight to EPIC. No mucking around chasing spots. Just tap on with your Mastercard, Visa, phone or watch and you’re off. Check the timetable before you travel because some services wrap up before the party does.
Is the Light Rail a good option?
Yep. The Light Rail is the easiest way in. Park at Gungahlin Place, Well Station Drive or Swinden Street and ride straight to EPIC. Services run late, but last trips change each day, so check the timetable before you roll.
How can I plan my journey?
Easy. Use the Transport Canberra Journey Planner. Punch in where you’re starting, lock in EPIC as your destination and it’ll map the quickest way to the action.
Where can taxis and ride shares drop me off?
All taxis and ride shares pull up on Randwick Road. It’s a quick stroll straight to Gate 2. No hassles and no hunting for a park.
Can I ride a Neuron scooter to Summernats?
Yep. Neuron scooters are everywhere in Canberra and you can park them up close to the gates. Just check the app first so you don’t end up in a no-ride zone.
Is there on-site parking?
Parking at Summernats is prepaid only. No pass, no park – especially Friday and Saturday.
Very limited parking is open Thursday and Sunday at:
P2 – Old Well Station Road
Thursday 8 January: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Friday 9 January: 8:00am – 10:00pm
Saturday 10 January: 8:00am – 10:00pm
Sunday 11 January: 8:00am – 5:00pm
P3 – Randwick Road (Thoroughbred Park Racecourse)
Thursday 8 January 10:00am – 10:00pm
Friday 9 January 10:00am – 10:00pm
Saturday 10 January 10:00am – 10:00pm
Sunday 11 January 8:00am – 5:00pm
Don’t waste time circling the streets. Park & Ride is your best bet. And respect the locals, no suburban parking. Inspectors will be out all weekend.
How do I get through the gates quickly?
Head for Gate 2 or Gate 7
Have your ticket ready. Phone screen bright and clear, or bring a printed one
Ditch the bags if you can. It's faster for you, easier for everyone
Pick the right lane: Pre-Purchased, Platinum Fastlane, Buy on the Day or Already Wristbanded
The quicker you’re in, the quicker the party starts.
Commercial & Media FAQs
How can I get trade or exhibitor information?
Please email trade@summernats.com.au to register your interest.
When will media applications be open?
Media accreditation is available only to working media photographers, videographers and journalists. Application dates will be announced closer to the event, so keep an eye on the Summernats website and socials for updates.
How can I get information about food and beverage opportunities?
Please email commercial@summernats.com.au to register your interest.
Still Need Help?
Can't find your answer? Contact our team and we'll get back to you ASAP.