Top 60 Custom Cars Take Centre Stage

One of the first big highlights of Day 2 was the unveiling of the Top 60 cars in the Street Machine showcase. These elite machines — ranging from meticulously restored classics to brutally modified modern builds — drew huge crowds as fans and judges alike got up close with some of the best rides in the country.

Whether it was gleaming paintwork, wild engine swaps or pro-built show cars that stole the spotlight, the Top 60 reveal reinforced why custom cars are such a central part of the Summernats experience. As the sun rose higher, the sound of engines revving and chrome gleaming under the summer heat had the EPIC crowd buzzing.

Skid Row & Burnouts – Rubber Meets Asphalt

Over on Precision International Skid Row, the rubber didn’t stand a chance. Day 2 featured some of the wildest burnouts and skid sessions of the festival so far, with cars throwing up clouds of smoke as drivers pushed their machines to the limit. From tyre-eating drifts to thunderous burnouts, Skid Row was packed with action that left spectators cheering and cameras rolling.

Meanwhile out on the burnout pad, the qualifiers heated up for both the Open Class and Pro Burnout Series, setting the stage for Saturday’s main competitions. The intense heat and scorching track conditions only made things more dramatic as competitors battled for higher scores and longer smoke trails.

Cruise Routes & Blown Muscle

Another unforgettable part of Day 2 was the cruise action — including an insane run in a blown 408-powered Holden Statesman that turned heads as it powered its way through the city streets. This was complemented by drift cars and other eye-catching rides that showcased the diversity of vehicles drawn to Summernats.

Whether it was the smell of methanol, the ear-splitting exhaust notes or the crowd’s reactions, these cruising moments captured the heart and soul of Aussie car culture that Summernats is famous for.

What’s Next at Summernats 38

With Saturday looming — traditionally the busiest and most action-packed day of Summernats — fans can expect even More burnouts, tougher competition, and surprises on both Skid Row and the cruise route. Stay tuned to Aussie Garage for full coverage, exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes action as Summernats 38 continues!

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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.

#Summernats38 #Summernats2026 #Burnouts #CarFestival #EPICCanberra #CityCruise #Horsepower #AussieGarage #CarCulture #CustomCars #MuscleCars

The post Summernats 38 – DAY 1 Recap appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.