BETTER OFF RED

BONKERS CARS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY GATHER IN ALICE SPRINGS FOR SOME MUCH NEEDED PLAYTIME AT RED CENTRE NATS 2020

- SIMON TELFORD

WITHOUT sounding too much like a hippy, there is something special about Red CentreNATS in Alice Springs that sets it apart from any other car show. Alice sits at the heart of Australia, both geographically and spiritually. Unless you’re a local, Alice is a long way for just about anyone, and whether you fly or drive to get there, you’ll have plenty of time to observe and reflect on our mighty continent and its unfathomably long history.

It also means most folks arrive having had plenty of time to decompress from the daily grind, so are fresh and ready for anything.

What they find is an incredible place full of great natural beauty, amazing weather and friendly locals that is worth a visit any time of the year – let alone when the joint has 750 stunning cars and bikes ready to party!

And despite the COVID-19 related drama that 2020 has brought upon us – or perhaps because of it – this year’s Red CentreNATS was one of the biggest and best yet.

“It was as magic as the first event,” said organiser Andy Lopez. “The first Red CentreNATS was so surprising and this year was the same, just with more people. The Street Parade had a real feeling of excitement.

“I think people appreciated that the government pushed so hard to make it happen this year. They were totally committed to doing it, even if it was just for NT residents. And of course, people were so happy to be out having fun with their cars after a pretty quiet year. It was a big couple of weeks for Alice. They had a Demons versus St Kilda AFL game in town the week before, so there was a really good vibe around town.”