More than 130,000 revheads flocked to Exhibition Park in Canberra across the weekend for the 2025 Summernats.
Summernats 37 ran at EPIC, with additional events in Braddon and along Northbourne Avenue, from 2-5 January.
Across the Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, 30,000 people attended the Braddon Fringe Festival.
Summernats co-owner Andy Lopez said this year’s event was their most successful to date.
“Record crowds poured into the nation’s capital to enjoy what we reckon is the best car festival in the world,” Mr Lopez said.
“The atmosphere was incredible, and the crowd behaviour was excellent.
“NSRG Security and ACT Policing set a really positive, supportive vibe from the moment people arrived until they went home.
“The Summernats team put a huge effort into delivering something special this year, and I’m so proud of every single person in our amazing crew. Long live Summernats!”
There were 2500 cars cruising and on show at EPIC, with 500 vehicles taking to the Canberra streets for the annual city cruise.
In the pavilion, 23 brand new elite cars were uncovered.
The Summernats Grand Champion was crowned on Sunday 5 January, which went to John Fenech’s LJ Torana; a tribute to Sam Fenech, a much-loved engine builder and drag racer who lost his life in an accident at Willowbank Raceway in Queensland in 2023.
The $50,000 in the Pro Burnout Series went to Peter Grmusa, who had previously retired from the sport.
The venue was packed to the rafters across the weekend as car lovers watched lawnmower races, burnouts on grass, skid row and on the burnout pad and live music was played, while spectators had a drink or two and a bite to eat.
For the car owners, Summernats gave them a chance to show off the vehicles they had poured their blood, sweat and tears into with an array of events on offer.
Security was questioned prior to the event due to incidents that occurred at the 2024 event, and while there was an improvement in 2025, Summernats 37 wasn’t without incident.
ACT Policing was generally happy with crowd behaviour both inside EPIC and the fringe festival but a small number of arrests were made for matters including assault, breach of bail, failing to comply with a police direction and assault police.
Officers also issued almost 30 ‘move on’ directions, more than 95 traffic infringement notices and 32 vehicle defect notices.
Three vehicles were seized and five drivers tested positive to illicit drugs while driving.
Police are also seeking witnesses and dashcam footage of an incident involving a black Mazda SUV and a traffic controller working near EPIC on Friday 3 January.
Tickets for the 2026 event are already on sale.
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