PPG reports on a successful Summernats, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
The Summernats is back. After several lean years, the emphasis on producing a family-friendly event has paid off as just over 90,000 custom vehicle fans flocked to the four-day festival – more than 5000 up on 2011. Police and organisers have since praised this year's Summernats crowd as some of the best-behaved ever. The 25th anniversary (dubbed the ‘Chrome Jubilee’) also attracted huge entrant numbers which climbed to over 1500.
A little rain and overcast skies at Canberra’s Exhibition Park didn’t deter the crowds as there was plenty of high-octane action on hand. The burnout competition in the ‘Power Pit’ was a favourite, while many took the time to check out all the extraordinary machines being judged in the show car halls where Ben Sargent’s 1971 HQ Monaro Coupe ultimately received the prestigious ‘Grand Champion’ award.
Saturday was the busiest for years and many fans included a visit to the PPG stand. It featured a ‘50s/‘60s diner theme, complete with a vintage pinball and popcorn machine, a jukebox, records painted in new PPG Vibrance colours and finishes and a display of awesome custom vehicles, including WAR440 and Slammed ‘60. Another of the stands major drawcard’s was U.S. custom painting guru, Charley Hutton, whose friendly, down-to-earth style was obvious as he conducted demonstrations, applied airbrush tattoos for kids and mingled with the crowd.
The success of Summernats 25 has gone a long way to securing the future of Australia’s biggest car festival for many years to come.