Australia's largest car festival, Summernats, concluded its 38th edition in Canberra, marked by record attendance, thrilling car displays, and a police investigation. The four-day event attracted over 130,000 visitors and 3,000 show cars, despite challenging heat and windy conditions. Adam Bickerstaff claimed the Summernats Grand Champion title for his 1956 Ford F-100, while Chris Orchard secured the Pro Burnout Series victory, winning $50,000. Bickerstaff described his win as surreal, expressing disbelief at their achievement. However, the festival was not without incident. A brawl in the Burnout Stand on Saturday prompted police intervention, raising concerns about antisocial behavior. ACT Policing confirmed an investigation, as officers supported security guards at the scene. Managing director Andy Lopez attributed the altercation to a disagreement between spectators, assuring that it was promptly contained and resolved. Police had pre-emptively warned attendees of an increased police presence, seizing four cars for alleged illegal driving by the event's first day. Despite extreme weather, including a total fire ban, organizers declared the festival a success. Lopez announced plans to expand Summernats to New Zealand, with its inaugural event set for 2027. The festival's MulletFest competition, featuring a unique hairdo, was moved indoors due to wild weather, showcasing the creativity of participants. Car enthusiasts, like Adam Povey, who has attended Summernats for 28 years, praised the event for fostering a community of car hobbyists, providing a platform to express their passion and connect with like-minded individuals.
