Canberra, ACT – 8 January 2026 — The horsepower, tyre smoke and raw automotive passion were off the charts on Day 1 of Summernats 38, marking another unforgettable start to Australia’s biggest car festival at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC). As thousands of rev-heads and car lovers descended on the nation’s capital, the roar of engines and the crackle of rubber set the tone for what will be four days of horsepower mayhem
Massive Turnout & City Cruise Kickoff
Summernats 38 officially kicked off with the Oz Wheels City Cruise, sending a parade of customised rigs and muscle cars through Canberra’s streets in spectacular style. Scores of spectators lined Northbourne Avenue to catch the rolling showcase of chrome, paintwork and pure horsepower — a fitting opening for a festival that’s become a must-see on the Australian car culture calendar.
This year’s event is expected to draw around 130,000 spectators and over 3,000 vehicle entries, making it one of the largest Summernats yet — and certainly one of the loudest
Burnouts, Records & Smoking Skid Row
Friday’s schedule also featured one of the most talked-about highlights of the day: the simultaneous burnout world record attempt. A massive field of around 126 cars lit up the burnout pad together, filling the air with tyre smoke and deafening engine revs — and reclaiming Summernats’ title in the process.
Meanwhile, the twin Precision International Skid Rows were already laying down fresh black lines as competitors and spectators alike soaked up the action.
Heat & Safety Focus
With Canberra sweltering in extreme summer temperatures, organisers and authorities have put extra measures in place to protect attendees. Free water stations, shaded areas, medical teams, and a big stack of Zooper Doopers were ready to go from the start — all part of making sure fans stay cool while watching the chaos unfold.
ACT Policing has also taken a visible presence, actively managing traffic and ensuring that hooning and unsafe behaviour outside sanctioned zones doesn’t spoil the fun for everyone.
Music & Live Entertainment Teasers
While the main concert lineup (including The Living End, The Screaming Jets, Killing Heidi, and Peking Duk) is slated for later in the weekend, the festival atmosphere was already buzzing with smaller live acts, street performances and the promise of night-time entertainment that pairs perfectly with the grind of big V8s and custom builds
What’s Next at Summernats 38
The anticipation continues with a huge weekend still ahead, including:
- Elite car showcases & Mega Uncovers — where rarely seen builds hit the spotlight.
- Cruising, drifting & driving demonstrations — non-stop horsepower all weekend.
- Live music and night shows — turning EPIC into a party zone.
Whether you’re here for the burnouts, cruising, show cars or live tunes, Day 1 delivered and Summernats 38 is only just revving up.
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