Is Summernats Better Or Worse?

[@FixTechStuff]

The man’s like a modern historian. Much respect for your honesty and not making excuses for bad behaviour.

[@You.180]

Well said big fella. I couldn’t agree more. I was there and it was a really enjoyable time. Keep rocking Scotty🤙

[@TyronneBony]

Mate, the idiots nearly destroyed the ‘nats in the early 90s with their crappy behaviour…anyone would have thought it’d be a better event by now, but nah…so many fuelled-up f-wits, spectators & entrants, that want to show off disrespecting other entrants and patrons with their antics. Make it a dry event and watch the idiots disappear.

[@johnc3522]

@@TyronneBony it’s not the legally acquired alcohol that’s the problem; it’s the other narcotics most of them ingest.

[@adrianzmajla4844]

As much as I love a beer or many more, I agree with you. Most trouble makers don't even own cars!

[@geepuller1]

​@johnc3522 that's a joke mate. I went to a 5 day 6000 people music festival recently. Drugs everywhere. Talking to a security gaurd on the last day he told me there had not been one incident. It's the alcohol that makes the problems.

[@johnc3522]

@@geepuller1yeah, that’s obviously some emperical unequivocal evidence right there.

[@pieflies]

@@geepuller1there are also people drinking heaps at festivals, usually with no issue. There has been huge issues at festivals in the past though too. Because of the people who were there. Drinking and drugs both contribute but also, idiots are idiots, regardless of what they’re consuming or if they’re sober even. Especially when they’re in groups.

[@theveeman]

Hey Scotty, so happy to have finally met you at the nats. "Black P76 Pete". My first date with Summernats was 1989 #3, and it was great but you had a lot of cops to worry about then, not so much security, and like you are saying about crowd misbehaving back then, yes alcohol was a big factor as a lot of them would camp on northbourne ave, pissup and muck up all day and night. I got to say security was top notch, very polite and seem like they enjoyed being there. Like you are saying muck up being a idiot would get you a ticket out. This is the first time i entered my car and the only thing i have to pick on is the dust, i gave up cleaning my car. Maybe a drive thru non contact car wash? like a tent or booth just spraying water on your car to get the dust off. Just a thought.

[@blownhemi]

@theveeman that's an interesting idea, not sure where they could set it up

[@theveeman]

@@blownhemi Probably near the fueling station. It would need to be contained and water to be recycled.

[@biastv1234]

Summernats is about lines 😂😂

[@blownhemi]

@@theveeman it was good to put a face to the name as well. Nice meeting you

[@theveeman]

@blownhemi likewise mate. I really enjoyed Summernats.

[@RFBOOM]

Good video Scotty, hopefully can help people understand the history of where its come from, and where the event needs to go in this day and age. Having attended since the late 90s, the event is getting better 100%. Better security, the toilets and amenities are cleaned way more often which has made a big difference. Disgusting things still happen, but its cleaned up much quicker. Security this year was 1000x better, scrutineering process was heaps smoother and shorter time frame. I actually brought my wife and kids down to do the city cruise for the first time ever, which she said she would never do, but did just for the thursday. So now my boys understand what it is, and kick starts their passion for the cars we have at home and where we get to use them. I had never done Braddon before, but this year I did for the first time, and its a very relaxed place to hang around, look at cars parked up (not much lapping happens, generally see the cars do a lap to find a park and then just stay on display till leaving time), grab a feed and a beer from the pub. Definitely something I know you would enjoy. I certainly did, and will try to get again next nats. I'm going to say one of the biggest reasons that has created the change in event behaviour is because of the internet and social media. Back in the day, doing a cruise route burnout, as long as it was relatively safe and small, it was witnessed only by those in attendance. If you kept the security guard happy with what you did, you could entertain the crowd. But since its being immediately shared online to either big note themselves, or for the person taking the video to try gain a following and get the views, then it gets exposed to everyone, and everyone who has a responsibility in that action gets looked at (driver for doing it, security guard for not intervening, event staff to perform disciplinary action and de-mote the behaviour.. etc). The younger generations addiction to sharing everything without thought of recourse is crazy. Makes it easy for event staff to black list cars as they are providing evidence for them. That aside, the fact that Summernats is basically the only car event I know of that you can buy alcohol at. It makes it unique and good for those who can control themselves and have a few drinks with mates, but just enables too many spectators to get way to drunk and cause fights, damage to vehicles, and continue the bad behaviour that we want to stop (hounding girls and cars). So its hard thing to made a decision on, but I feel it would make the biggest change. The one thing I do miss was the cruise route being open till later. At the end of the supercruise, as the cars returned to camp, a few small chirpys on the way and a few laps as the sun was disappearing was a nice way to end the day. The fact that cruising was done by 5pm just ends up meaning people leave the event and take their behaviour out into public canberra earlier. At which point its not summernats problem to deal with, so smart move by them. I am sick of people saying "I wish it was like it used to be", it's not, it's never going to be. The world we live in changes, and just like everything else this event needs to change too. I am glad they are open to ideas and take on board the feedback, which is fantastic. Not everything ends up being as successful as it was intended (the methanol madness hour was a failure in my eyes - the first session too many people were still out cruising and took too long to clear out, 2nd time slot there wasn't enough methanol for the cars to have fuel to cruise with), but you wont know until you try. It can change to become better event every year. But yeah, I too have witnessed some terrible things at nats, which gladly is becoming less and less of an occurrence. And yes, I also received the text about having a warning for bad behaviour when my car was parked at camp site for the evening as I had decided to start having a few drinks. Summernats has and will be a horsepower party unlike any other event. Bring on the future.

[@blownhemi]

@RFBOOM well said by someone who was also there back in the day and understands

[@zacnorthmore4544]

Was an interesting listen, have personally never been to Summernats yet however planning to attend in 2026 from NZ. I also think you should seriously consider doing a podcast, I'm sure I'm not the only one that could easily listen to you talk about anything all day long. Love ya work Scotty 👍

[@blownhemi]

@zacnorthmore4544 Thanks, mate. I need to make myself a podcast space

[@s4ss.m8]

​@blownhemi, you've got some stories, Scotty. From summermats to drag challenges, different builds you've done, you would definitely have some stuff to share

[@davidjustice9036]

well done Scotty, its great to see outside the social media umbrella

[@liddz434]

Great video Scotty! Really love your candour here…so much lived experience in the scene and insights. Well done🫡

[@bradhouse4649]

Great vid mate, was very interesting to hear your views on the whole thing 👍🏼👍🏼

[@johnc3522]

Well done intervening and stopping that sexual assault Scotty - some would just do nothing. Also, was great to meet you and chat for 5 minutes or so at the dyno cell after your car pulled 1004 rwkw on Friday!

[@blownhemi]

Yep, at least people were standing there doing nothing until I stepped up. The ute did really well, I was so happy with how it went.

[@GODEES77]

Meatheads are definitely fewer, but there are still plenty of them there. Alcohol anywhere brings out the worst in groups, just not Summernats.

[@blownhemi]

@@GODEES77 that's true enough

[@GODEES77]

@ I’ll never take my kids while there are so many drunken idiots running around. You want it family friendly, maybe stop alcohol or leave it until after 5pm. I enjoy a beer, but you don’t see drunken idiots carrying on like meatheads at MotorEx. That’s a family friendly car event with the amazing cars, vendors ect. Yes Summernats has improved

[@borismcfinnigan3430]

I have never been to Summernats but i have followed it for some time. The "good old days" do look more fun when you see old pics etc, but in reality, a horde of grown men badgering, and in some instances, actually intimidating women into showing their boobs, is horrifying when you look back on it. Disegarding anything else, removing the sexual harrassment aspect of Summernats is obviously a massive improvement. Personally i'd remove alcohol as well but that's just me.

[@MattODwyer-jt5bg]

Dude purple and green should always be seen haha love ya spit on all this and content. Wise man

[@BoostedTJ]

Alcohol and meth.

[@bradpatterson1949]

Yeh not the car kind bra...😂

[@Jazsft]

Great vid mate your a great bloke had a massive chat with you few years back at Calder Keep up the good work mate

[@blownhemi]

Thanks mate

[@MattW-en7ur]

Thanks Scotty. Really appreciate your pragmatic overview. Agree with almost everything you mentioned.

[@boujeePerformance]

Came up and met you just as you were about to change the springs in the ute Scotty great to meet ya love ya work!

[@blownhemi]

Thanks mate

[@bladeross5191]

Summernats has changed for the best and this year was the best year so far loved it but the one thing that wish they would do witch would help with the flow of things is built a walk way that goes over the road so the car can keep the traffic flow going

[@shanemulligan791]

They could do that like the Adelaide 500 has them.

[@MrStreety2]

As an entrant, I love the grass driving events. Its great fun with your best mate against the clock. I agree with the mower racing though

[@thewholls7176]

I lived in Canberra for 8 years and went many times - I've always thought they should move it to March when its much cooler weather...... one year was 40 Deg C and the tents would have been torture..... Plus Carbys like cooler air - so there's that.........

[@blownhemi]

@thewholls7176 yeah some years are better than others when it comes to weather. On Sat/Sun it was mid 30s during the day, but still quite cool at night

[@chasinlines4803]

I just had my 27th summernats. And I love the changes they have made. It's alot safer. It's alot easier to deal with over the whole weekend. I was plagued with car issues all weekend but security were great even when we had to push my car off skid row. The crossings were the only frustrating things but like you said it's a shared space so it is what it is. I noticed it felt like there was less traders this year compared to last. Bigger booths but less of them. There's always going to be idiots but it seems like there's alot less of them these days but there's more cameras showing off the select few Also I live in the closest suburb to exhibition park and it's alot quieter at night to. It's dead by 11 every night whereas back in the day it was wild all night

[@vlfreak]

Agreed scotty, for all the great times "in the day", there was plenty of dark involved. i went once in about 99 (SN12 i think?), it was an eye opener for sure, we camped in the carpark and "showered" at the canberra pool. i think that was maybe the year or two before it went very bad (maybe "again", its taken a few turns). Never ever would i have taken my daughters (who love cars and events) to those years, maybe its time i go again. As for getting kicked out, yep im 100%. Drop a set on the cruise route, no warnings, youre gone. Some would say its gone "soft" but yeh, its the world we live in these days 🤷‍♂ Great job and congrats on doing the job with the ute

[@crombo97]

Well said Scotty I reckon they are doing well running the nats. Summernats 7 my my first nats as well. I'm not into drifting but the cool thing was being able to do the ride alongs. My 13 year old absolutely loved it!!!

[@blownhemi]

@@crombo97 that would be cool

[@RevIt66]

I recon it's just missing the grass events, always loved watching spear the spud.

[@shannonheraud_tuf253]

Summernats has definitely changed a lot in the 15 years I have been going, I think it is much better in a lot of ways but I do miss the late night cruising around the cruise route and the after dark party atmosphere. We used to sit up drinking till about 2-3am most nights out the front of our marquee, these days it is a ghost town after 11pm. The on site camping is a whole lot quieter than back in the day and the showers are far less disturbing 😂

[@blownhemi]

@shannonheraud_tuf253 good to see that the showers have improved

[@Mr83rt]

Did it once...booked a camp site with the boys for the weekend.... I had seen everything i wanted to by Saturday lunchtime. From what i noticed, most the drama came from those who were only spectators. No matter the car community we all share the same love and respect for each others cars. Edit: this was written before your yarns of the grubs in our community 😔 sadly they're amongst every community

[@blownhemi]

@@Mr83rt very true

[@Car_Life92]

They need to get rid of the alcohol all together

[@lilbickleymane]

Too right, and if you're openly on meth/ice/etc you shouldn't be let in. If you can't be allowed into clubs/bars because you're too sloshed why are you allowed in an event that's for all ages

[@jhon-cg4rg]

And meth

[@craigjones2878]

The original super cruise was pretty awesome. I remember Chic Henry lighting ‘em up in his ‘62 Impala when it was the street machine nationals.

[@msaint187]

great question. Ask the employee if you have anything bad to say about your employer

[@jimclarke1108]

Great video, learned a lot from that, well covered

[@adzmc3757]

Great video Scotty. Get ride of the drift demo and turn the area into an autocross zone. Something extra for the grand champion to do instead of the tiny slalom on the skid pad. Possibly a second skid row area would also help.

[@TheMichaelStephens]

I have to agree with you mate. Summernats is getting better with age and its great place to take the kids. Ive taken my teenage daughter twice now and she loves the vibe and atmosphere. The missus and youngest daughter usually hang back at the hotel and site see a little and come out to watch the LIVE music which we all enjoy as a family with very little trouble from the crowd. Security this year was super chill and I was surprised not to see any security standing on the cruise route on Thursday at all. The strong police presence was welcomed by my daughter also and made her feel very safe even when confronted by the crowds of screaming "yobbos" on Main St. My daughter did look at me this year while at the hotel and made the statement "Dad... Spectating is cool but I think we need to being the KE70 next time we come"... Thats one proud Dad moment there, so hopefully she is cruising around Canberra on her L plates next year. You're right, Summernats is first and foremost a Car event and its pretty much the perfect way to celebrate them in the company of friends and like minded people from static Show stoppers to almost bog stock cruisers to Methanol burning Skid cars. Love it all !!!

[@blownhemi]

It's great to hear you're having such a good time with your family at Summernats!

[@paulcoote3094]

I am glad it still exists. I have been going since SN9. For this day n age it's fantastic. My 12yo son loves it also. To make it perfect it needs an enclosed pedestrian overpass the cruise route to elite hall and a undercover grandstand on the otherside of the burnout pad. Other than that, it's 9.99 out of 10.

[@RobertScottSDA]

Another awesome video scotty very interesting input on Summernats very interesting

[@SHOCKcustoms]

Great vid Scotty. Certainly remember the days of punch ons and nonsense late on tough street, the strippers and local brothel rolling round the cruise route drumming up business. It's improved for the better. The Mrs is now happy to bring the young bloke along and is comfortable in the crowd alone. Getting kids involved from a young age and avoiding the filth is a change for the better. Cheers

[@blownhemi]

I'm glad to hear you have a good experience with your family now.

[@honestpat7789]

Good video, and I guess the only way that Nats has survived is because it has evolved with the times. I remember the article did when Chic died (and I have never met him, but held him in high regard, in terms of cars) but the article was very critical of him because of what you mentioned in the video. That stuff just doesn’t pass the pub test these days and you have go with the flow in the end. Summernats looked awesome this year, and there’s no shortage of people commending the security. I have to travel interstate, but it’s definitely made me want to go more.

[@DodgyBrothersEngineering]

Your recount of the situation is why I have never gone. I have been following it on and off since the very beginning through Street Machine (collected Street Machine from the 1st edition for about 10 years) Unfortunately where you have cars you have idiots. Have thought about going several times then talked myself out of it every time. Now I think I am too old to be bothered with putting myself out and being uncomfortable.

[@blownhemi]

@@DodgyBrothersEngineering I can understand that

[@mahcooharper9577]

Is an interesting perspective, my first one was Summernats 2 and then I went every year for like 15 years. I saw heaps of ferals messing with cars and being shit to women and I remember as a young bloke thinking that was garbage and I would never enter my own car in it. Yes, the boobs were cool (when the girls were into it not when they were bullied into it) but I always felt scared there and would never ever have taken a female there. Honestly my mates and I stopped going like 10 years ago because we've got a bit older and run out of patience for pissed idiots. I watch the videos and there have been some good improvements - skid row is a great idea, I love the dyno cell and everyone loves a good skid The way they present the videos focusing on the ferals is pretty disappointing tho. It's like a lot of things, sometimes morons go to events just to get pissed and cause trouble and that's why I don't go to the cricket or footy either. Unpopular opinion, but I think it would be better if they just made it a dry event. It would reduce the profits but it would also remove a lot of the idiots. I'd rather go to a show with other car people and see blokes like you who've built serious cars, driven them there and can use them when they get there. Like you say there's places to get drunk, places to see boobs and places to be a fkwit. If they did that I'd happily go back, but I cant be bothered dealing with the morons tbh. Great perspective tho, thanks Scotty.

[@AGRSSV1]

I have no issue with the alcohol, after hours. No one needs to be a write off before lunch.

[@blownhemi]

@AGRSSV1 yep, that was definitely a problem back in the day, but the bars don't open until midday now

[@tx5brent]

Not sure booze is the problem these days...

[@blownhemi]

@tx5brent hard drugs are way too prevalent these days

[@GODEES77]

@@blownhemi it’s still a problem, people who are camped there or are staying in accommodation are turning up drunk from the previous day and topping up as soon as the bars open. Alcohol is Summernats biggest issue, but alcohol makes money so we just change the time the bars open we look proactive in curbing drunken behaviour. I can 100% tell you people were turning up pissed out of their skulls in the morning or they were camped there overnight drinking all night. I’m not knocking the legit car guys and girls like you Scotty, but you have to admit it may be better than it was, but it’s still very much out of control especially when the sun goes down and drunken blokes are looking for some “action” after the car action has ended for the day

[@blakeprocter5818]

It was my first Summernats, after many years of wanting to go, and I was really happy with it. Certainly lived up to my expectations. I was actually a bit overwhelmed by just how much stuff there is to see, and how many things are happening simultaneously. Definitely can't experience everything in one trip. I thought it was pretty well organised to, security seemed good. Already considering getting the early bird tickets for next year, I really didn't want it to end. Of course, I can't speak on the entrant side of things. No experience there. But purely as a spectator, it was awesome.

[@blownhemi]

Great to hear the thoughts from a first timer

[@ian57crows.]

I don't get why people spend thousands $$$$ to shread tyres, catch their cars on fire and thrash their engines. Anyway, each to their own. Not my thing. Each to their own.

[@imidsikkey]

Yeah, I never got it either 😅

[@blownhemi]

@ian57crows. I understand the confusion, I don't mind a good burnout but some of these guys spend 100s of thousands in their set-ups

[@Fantomx7g6]

I agree...NEVER UNDERSTOOD the whole Kiddie skid thing either basically trying to wreck their car

[@maddiielisabeth3925]

Most of the pro cars (if not all) have built engines that can take it. And for me it's the fact that what other notorsport is a car sitting on the limiter at 10-12k for 2 or 3 minutes without blowing the car up? Engine-eering it its finest 👌

[@Fantomx7g6]

@maddiielisabeth3925 You may as well put it on the limiter in a shed...it's just as Pointless

[@ashleypope346]

Yep-"Have fun, but not at others expense". Spot on...

[@blownhemi]

@@ashleypope346 that's my motto for life

[@Tonyclifton-q4f]

first time my brothers and i went it wasnt even called Summernats ,street machine magazine nationals by memory and it was fantastic a real family orientated car festival ,went a few years later and it was tits out for the boys ,a mass migration of the finest knuckledraggers Australia has to offer it was just a bogan festival ,fast forward a few years and its still the same ,went 4 years ago and swore id never ever go again ,im amazed nobody has been killed ,maybe im a grumpy ol man but fair dinkum what a bunch of deadset dropkicks

[@bojordan3]

Scotty, it was great to see Grimace at the ‘Nats this year! Well said mate, hopefully hearing this stuff from someone like you might convince some of the people into the anti-social behaviour to reconsider. I almost gave up on Summernats after 35 when the tractor keys were stolen, fire truck was almost tipped over, and security largely walked off the job after threats, way too many oxygen thief’s and losers! The lack of responsibility and integrity from some of the entrants and spectators who reckon they are tough guys until they encounter police and security is pathetic, when you do the wrong thing, own it and move on. This year though, despite the extra fencing, heavy police and security presence, I thought it was great and I have already purchased my season pass for next year. The event continues to get bigger and bigger despite the winding back of some of the disrespectful events, additional rules and the increased security… that tells me that it’s becoming a better event.

[@HazeyAuto]

I went to last year’s Nats. Enjoyed the Elite Hall, HPH, trade stands and the Pro Burnouts (can’t remember if it was still Burnout Masters then). Grinspoon put on a hell of a show. The Braddon Fringe thing was cool and worth checking out, even if you can’t get a car in. But the biggest disappointment was when they closed the cruise route at 5:00pm following the issues they had with security. Not sure if it happened this year because I didn’t go, but the laps on Saturday night used to be one of the highlights. I’ll most likely never attend as a spectator ever again, I’ll screw together something worthy and bring it instead.

[@chrisbrookes3358]

I agree with most of what you said. My biggest gripe as an owner of a 70s street car cruiser is there isn’t a lot in the event for me anymore. It is really 3 shows in one. It is a burnout/horsepower show, an elite show car show and a street car cruiser show. I put them in that order as that appears to be the priority. Even the street class judging is full of elite cars that now get driven a couple of times a year rather than true weekly driven or more cruisers. Running a mild v8 or heaven forbid a warm Aussie 6 (other than a huge turbo Barra) there isn’t a lot in it for you. The cruise route is too packed to cruise, 1.5 hours to do a km or so is ridiculous and because modern cars and engines make much easier and cheaper horsepower for burnouts and skids that’s what you see a disproportionate number of now. VX - VF commodores reign supreme. As you said they have deprioritised things like the go to whoa and grass driving and even the city cruise and Braddon Fringe are so hard to get into unless you have an engine hanging out of the bonnet or belong in the show hall. The street cruising cars appear to be there to make up the numbers now rather than being the focus. Ultimately i don’t begrudge the organisers making these decisions as they are in it to make money, it’s a business and they obviously feel it’s the burnouts and elite cars that draw 100k spectators and 2800 entrants and therefore pay the bills. I’ll always go, but it would be great if there was another non-static event focussed on the street cars again because that is now missing and was the original aim of the event, but it probably won’t happen as it’s unlikely to be profitable.

[@blownhemi]

@chrisbrookes3358 I understand what you're saying and you're right there's not a lot for average entrants other than cruising and show and show on the oval. But that's always been the case

[@kizjay2730]

Interesting question I’ve been pondering it all day. Yes it’s definitely better but at the same time it’s also not as good as it used to be. Nats 12 with my old man was my first, I was 16 and blown away by seeing the cars featured in Street Machine in real life, Sony Scorcher being one. Me and mates attended from Nats 16 and I’ve never missed one since then, great memories of lunatic lane running amuck with the boys. Some years ago I started taking my sons down for the Friday as they both love cars and Summernats, they’re now 14 & 10 but haven’t been on a Saturday yet, but these days id feel better about having them there on a Saturday now compared to years ago. But there’s still a lot i miss, the old Tuff St behind the grandstand was the place to see the best cars of the nats, lunatic lane behind it had the best atmosphere, and people were allowed to smoke it up a bit without getting booted, security only cared when people got on the road (something that still shits me every year) and I also recall a heavy bikie presence there in the early days, maybe they helped deter some of the dickheads. Skid Row is a good idea but it’s in the wrong spot, maybe put it in where the drifts are, but it killed the Tuff St area and the best stretch of the cruise route, also I noticed the show and shine isn’t as big as it once was and that’s a shame. I never saw the Summernats riot but I remember one Easter at Mt Panorama my old man rushing me and mum out to the carpark before everything kicked off, and that incident ended the bike races up there.

[@DaveHiggoHiggins]

My first one was 7 as well. I wasn't out on the cruise, we were in the entrant camping section, I went for 4 years in a row, then my work career took over, and I've been back sporadically. Going back in 2004, with my girlfriend at the time, was super feral. Blokes didn;t give a shit if a girl was walking with a guy, they all yelled at her and were just feral. (FYI she wasn't waring a bikini or revealing in anyway) It was just nuts. My old home videos will attest to this. Camping back then, on site, ensured you got no sleep as well. I still have a few of my Dirty Pierre t-shirts too.. When you think about the things that happened back then, they're just not the done thing now, we've evolved, surely.

[@LukeAshton-u5h]

Great content Scotty. Enjoyed your breakdown of summernats

[@andrewbrown9460]

Good comments Scotty.

[@gleno_pollock]

I really enjoyed the nats this year! Security did a fantastic job. One thing I would suggest to free up the cruise route would be to only allow pedestrians to cross the roads in all locations at the same time like every 15 mins or every half hour only.

[@alcath08]

I used work for a friend at the Summernats, from 15 - 25. Quite frankly, things I saw and heard, it was some of the worst parts of human behaviour. I'm glad it has been cleaned up to some degree. Great video.

[@standard8888]

Well said mate!! I worked with John Swan in Canberra for a few Year's and what you've said is 100% accurate, and I hope that girl you mentioned/saved replies with a thank you... you could fix the mess if all entrants had to watch your video before they enter Summer Nats would help more than than the Police do..

[@blownhemi]

@@standard8888 thanks mate

[@danburke4935]

Don't ever sell yourself short Scotty, you've done more for the scene than most. Great chat man.

[@blownhemi]

@@danburke4935 thank you

[@dougycarter9399]

"ABSIRLOTLY OUTSTANDING" 10/10 & A+, to you "SIR Scotty", man, you are a wealth of information & experience, Years of watching you with Street Machine Carnage and now, Scottys Garage, I have never heard of such a detailed opinion of SUMMERNATS ( By Street Machine), Everything you talked about & every suggestion you maid, got the "NOD" from me, You Sir Scotty, would always get myself & thousands of your supporting viewers our vote for you being on the SUMMER NATS, "Committee", "SUMMERNATS" is a passion for unique street cars &/or a passion for performance street cars.....

[@blownhemi]

Thanks mate

[@beamup1]

Cheers brother for sharing that story, learnt a lot an plan to go one day to Summernatz just not sure with whanau or just the boys.

[@blownhemi]

Go with the boys first, have a good time and assess it.

[@wafive]

Havn't been for years, but a few thoughts on what I see on videos. Get rid of the drifters and open up that area for for another cruising burnout strip, or maybe two side by side... Or, as an alternative, set up a few "ten second burnout" or "Red light / Green light / stop when the horn blows / burnout lite" burn out area around the cruise route.... An area for the blokes who want to drop a bit of a burn out, make some smoke But not a full on "burnout comp" style smoke show... If you look at most of the burnouts on the cruise route that are getting people in trouble / kicked out, they probably only run for about ten seconds... Give the less powerful cars a chance to have some fun.... Did hear a bloke whinging about lining up for an hour at skid row (or whatever its called)... only to be told that it was alcohol cars only for the first hour.... If everyone who wanted to do a burnout actually lined up (just got to that part of the vid) you would all still be there.. Limit the number of entries, The "cruise route" is way too crowded, cars seem to barely move, and dead set, some of the cars that I saw on the vids really didn't pass the pub test... Finally, and this will never happen, because the money that would come in from it would be huge. Get booze out of the place.. young blokes in big groups and piss do not mix. I know you cant do much about other substances, but for some blokes, booze is fighting fuel.... piss it off.

[@user-pl5ds8iz6q]

Late 90s were wild after dark. The camping area was lawless out of control anarchy. It's like Disneyland now

[@Shanes_Shed]

Never been to summernats - not easy living in the West. But one day I'd like to road trip a car over. Nice to know its more family friendly than its been in the past

[@blownhemi]

I met up with some nice guys who travelled over from WA this year, they were having a great time Saturday night.

[@65Coasty]

My first nats were 86, 87 and 88. It was awesome. My first recent one was Smokynats 😅 it was crazy but I had fun.

[@blownhemi]

@@65Coasty Smokynats was different for sure

[@pauldjuric8377]

The same as bathurst really. I went there in 96 n my god. What an eye opener. Everything evolves and im keen to take my now 15yo up there and hope it stays family friendly. Great perspective though and appreciate the time.

[@shanemulligan791]

I remember the bike races and we see what happened,

[@Seeeeyaaaa]

Scotty, firstly congrats on your dyno result mate! fantastic achievement very happy for ya! i didn't go this year and haven't for many years after they canned the city cruise event..just didnt like the dirt circuit track idea at all so i canned it completely. Also, hated the drunken idiots at the events..getting your car grabbed and shaken and being yelled at to do a burnout isnt my cuppa. I now enjoy the Powercuise events mostly due to the fact that its a non alcohol zone, car enthusiasts and drivers can come without fear of intimidation of drunken idiots. I know this is a huge perception change from the early days of the Nats where people just went to get smashed off their heads and chase half naked chicks around with or without consent while doing huge burnouts..i agree that this year seemed like a good vibe, way more controlled and smoothly run. Im looking forward to the future of the Summernats.

[@blownhemi]

The only problem with Powercruise is idiots who can't drive

[@Seeeeyaaaa]

@@blownhemi well..at least you can drive there I guess, rather than doing circles around a dirt track 😁😁😁

[@marco_6145]

I remember the riots that you mentioned, and the traffic lights getting smashed down on Northbourne Avenue, heaps of drunken guys were hell-bent On knocking the traffic lights over, and then urinating on them, my brother was an electrician and telling them not to do it because of the electrical cabling that was just about exposed. Those guys were so lucky, if one of those cable shieldings had been damaged, pissing on the fallen traffic lights would have resulted in electrocation, so lucky

[@beyondcitylimits]

I liked the grass events, I thought speer a spud quirky cool. I'd like to see more time for go to whoa and less burnouts for the same reason. As a kid, I went a lot between SN 11-21. We stayed at the Carotel Hotel, met a few entrants and always felt safe. My only concern for the future is that I hope it doesn't turn into a LMCT+ event. The HSV king felt a bit cringy.

[@greg9345]

Seen that riot parked across from the servo at natex. Bus loads cops pulled up on medium strip and tried to herd everyone into natex complex. That year stuffed up people camping on Nth Bourne went next yr to check it out and haven't been back since.

[@blowninjectedfalcon]

Shit hit the fan at the intersection out front when a cop tried pulling some dude outta the window of his Falcon, for a wheel spin that he didn't do.

[@unclefester5418]

My first Summernats was No3 and I entered a car in 11 and 12 - worst place in the world to take a car you have poured all your time, money, effort and skill into, never again. I spent Summernats 11 and 12 trying to keep a car clean, only to have it covered in shit after every wash. Line up for street judging, told my car was too good to be street and should have taken it to the elite hall. Elite hall judging was over by this time. I drove the car 400km’s to the event, so at least I enjoyed my car. Never again will I enter a car at that location. I have attended sporadically over the years and No 35 was the worst ever. 4 hours stuck in traffic less than 1 km from your destination is bat shit crazy. And now you have to buy your ticket in advance , stuff that. I’d rather hand over my hard earned in person than risk it to some online scam. Despite Chic’s faults I never waited more than 30 minutes to get into Summernats in the old days. While I appreciate and envy the top 60 cars, to me they are no more than works of Art, looked at and admired, but never driven and enjoyed. Driving them is so rare for the owners, that they aren’t quite sure what will happen, and leads to the destruction of these perfect pieces of Art - and most of them, despite all the effort put into them, don’t work correctly, and are not legal to use. A street class, should be just that, Street driven, prove you drove it to the show, not trailered, prove it works, prove / show its street legal. But you wouldn’t have many entries 😊.

[@st170ish]

Good talk Scotty

[@johnupton3795]

It makes you wonder how long its going to stay around i still love it. its changed like everything does at the end of the day its a business. I love it eather way

[@blownhemi]

At the post Summernats work party the crew were very upbeat and ready to go again. It was good to see them so positive.

[@Whiskers74]

It'll be around for a while yet. It brings too much money into the ACT economy for them to can it without some serious shit hitting the fan.

[@benjamincrouchNFS]

I went to Oktoberfest in Germany, biggest beer festival in the world and never seen one fight. Everyone was happy. One factor was the beer had to be made locally and from 4 natural ingredients no extra additives. Then here in Australia, people turn nuts on beer (and other stuff) and fighting all the time, music festivals/pubs you name it. Sometimes you wonder, what’s actually really in our alcohol here that makes people turn? Or is it just that people can’t handle alcohol anymore…

[@darrylcollinet8190]

Well said Scotty

[@AllThingsTubecomau]

great feed back and hopefully they take some of your idea/knowledge on. is it time for a second skid row on the other side of the paddock so no excuse and lessen the load on the OG skid row as far as lineup?

[@rickybobbygrieger346]

One thing I'd like to see, rather than lining up for hours to get your wrist band at the only place you can get them, is have small pop up places north/south/east/west of nats where you can get your spectator entry wristband and walk straight in when you arrive

[@blownhemi]

@@rickybobbygrieger346 that would be a great idea

[@bazzadabarra3306]

This is the first year I’ve been since Summernats 11 its way safer now I really enjoyed it felt like I could of actually have taken the kids which I will do in the future, I feel it’s moving in the right direction

[@trevorsmith9251]

I think Summernats would greatly benefit if they let the public attending the event have their say or a poll on different things they want or don’t want, what’s working what’s not working, and for the money you’re paying as an entrant there should definitely be someone or a dedicated group reviewing “ unfair decisions “ during the event the organisers are nowhere be found, I started going around Summernats 5 till around year 2000 then here and there, same same every year and touching other peoples cars and chanting white top white top is something that shouldn’t happen, many assaults of various kinds happen and are kept quiet always, it’s a no for me now, thanks for the video Scotty

[@GODEES77]

@@trevorsmith9251 yep I wouldn’t take my family there. Alcohol is the major problem. I like a beer, especially on a hot day, 90% of issues are due to excessive alcohol consumption. Just like the football or cricket ect. Alcohol plus group mentality equals problems. How many drunken yobbos do you see running around out events like MotorEx or Optima? Not many, yet events like Sumnernats, Red Centre Nats ect attract meatheads who are wannabe car enthusiasts who aren’t even entrants who use the opportunity to spend 4 days on the drink encouraging or causing mayhem and harassing people particularly women. The cars are great, the events are great, the trade/vendor set up is great, but unfortunately it’s just meathead central. They will never make it a dry event, because like sporting venues around the country alcohol pays a lot of the bills and unlike pubs, it seems there’s zero responsible serving of alcohol protocols, it’s just sell sell sell and downplay the carnage that follows.

[@stuartwinter2758]

Like maybe having a thunderdome zone where there's no insurance but do the f u want. Enter at your own risk. I know would never happen bit ill bet that it would have people lined up for miles.

[@GODEES77]

@ and ambos and undertakers streaming out the other side……natural selection and all that

[@AustraliasBestForkliftOperator]

It was my first ever Summernats this year and im already making bookings for next year. And here is my take: 1. Expand the vehicle variety. I think SN needs to break the mold of being a v8 Holden festival. It would be nice to see some more JDM and Euro hereos compete against the ADM stuff. And truthfully i kinda got bored looking at every commodore with the same injector hat/blower setup. The most unique builds here kind of lose uniqueness once everyone is at that high level. 2. More spectating options! Saturday was a waste for me. Everywhere i went i could not see a thing. It was so packed. 3. Go all in on drifting. Sure they can keep the cash cow thing they have on right now of $140 for 4 laps. But a bigger course that isnt a figure 8 with people competing would expand that vehicle variety nicely. 4. A drag way would be a cracka addition. It could host both drags and Roll Racing. 5. Like you said a proper motorkhana would be fun to see. 6. DONT YOU BLOODY TOUCH THE LAWN MOWERS! 7. The live acts could also be scrapped in my opinion.

[@marco_6145]

Lookup old news stories on Summernats, it really did get out of control a couple of times, really crazy stuff, but a lot of fun too. People who put enormous effort and dollars into presenting their cars are very very rarely attending to make trouble - probably more worried about protecting their works of art!

[@markc3478]

Great vid mate and well said. I was there the year of the riot and saw some bad shit happening to civilians driving past on the main road. One thing in particular that stuck in my mind was watching a bunch of drunken wankers stop an elderly couple in a mint old VW Beetle, pour oil over the back wheels then started violently rocking the car trying to get the old fella to spin the wheels. The oldies were terrified. Fortunately they got away ok but these fwits continued stopping every car and doing the same shit. I dont think it matters how the event is run you will always have dickheads. This years security was better prepared and did a much better job. Cheers and keep up the great work.

[@blownhemi]

@markc3478 Yeah, that's terrifying, I seem to remember something similar happening with a Volvo

[@shaneblunt2378]

Its heaps better now with the barriers ,not a pack of grubs pushing cars 1/4 panels ect. Should build a few scaff bridges over top to free up the laps.

[@troynewman6441]

The drift guys should make way for a second skid row so the line up isn’t so long and it will also drag some people up that way in the complex.

[@harrybeanbag8975]

Last year before it all kicked off on the Saturday I witnessed ‘spectators’ running onto the cruise route, leaning over the bonnet of cars and revving it from the carby because the driver wouldn’t do a burnout…. Talk about dangerous… especially if the driver is not quick on the reflexes 😬

[@blownhemi]

That's stupidly dangerous behaviour and anyone that does it should be ejected from the event

[@landau46t]

I could talk for ever on the story’s ive got from Summernats From 1992 for 25years I’ve seen stuff similar too In the day I didn’t want it to change. As my life has progressed I can see it definitely needed to change. And remember in the day. Security told you to do a burnout to keep crowds out the back calm…late. Not to mention continues cruising was allowed. Slowly they started to restrict that. With one gate until finally killing all night cruising. Best night ever was this torana rolling out into the cruising track entrant area cold starting a 3000hp drag car into a full burnout stationary about 30m from us then reversed back into camp Slowly security walks up 2 or 3 mins later to see what’s happening . lol Course we didn’t see anything. 😂

[@AGRSSV1]

The old Summernats was great as a young single bloke with my mates, but as a husband and father, I prefer the current.

[@thorrx7955]

One thing I’d love to see is what you’ve done! If you want to win HP shootout you need to drive your car to the event!

[@blownhemi]

@@thorrx7955 it would be a real challenge for many

[@thorrx7955]

@ I feel like it would make it more difficult but also fair as you would have to build the car differently. Regardless love the videos mate keep them coming can’t wait to see that AU ripping it :-)

[@ban01t]

Remember being an official for around 15 years from Nats 4, was wild and hard yakka managing drunk ‘tards. Things have changed as have I, so I haven’t gone in about 15 years and probably won’t . The first few Nats were pretty loose and it was the Wild West at the non-entrant camping grounds. Glad I entered and won grass driving trophies in the day but having full cans of beer pegged at you whilst you’re trying to judge burnouts was a little sporty…

[@blownhemi]

@@ban01t yeah, that would suck

[@ban01t]

@ at least it was cold enough to drink, now that got a cheer hahaha

[@Dude_Eggs]

No one can afford to throw full cans anymore. Have you seen what they charge for a drink at the nats these days?

[@blownhemi]

@Dude_Eggs haha

[@b_for_brett]

When the sun went down in the early days it got pretty feral. Not sure it’s changed a lot from what I’ve seen on social media

[@AaronNicoli]

I miss the go to whoa, used to stay watching for hours before the sunday burnout final Realising I am very similar to Scotty in terms of taste in summernats events, drift... not me at all, grass events - fun but more of a ute muster thing, mowers... why?... I reckon they should create a second skid rows there is clearly enough want for it A bit of a grandstand (like the scaffold ones) where skid row is would be good, so u can get way more people in to actually spectate, vs just yobs hanging off the fence

[@jcspeedshop]

Nats are definitely more family friendly these days. My wife and son love going, there's something for everyone no matter what level you are into or understand cars. Just wish it wasn't always so hot haha 😂

[@1969Risky]

Great video Scotty & a great topic to discuss. I'm glad the Holden VS Ute did 1000kW rear wheel & I'm looking forward to more of the Carnage Ute in the future. It doesn't matter what event you go to whether it's a car event, footy, cricket or even your local shopping mall, you'll always find feral dog fuckwits that'll ruin it for everyone else. Where I currently live there's plenty driving shitbox Fords, Holdens & junked JDM's doing burnouts & their owners think that they're God's gift to driving. Most of these shitboxes need to be junked as they're unroadworthy. We have a car event where I live every 3rd Saturday of each month. On the whole, it's a good event with a good turnout of vehicles of all types. We have the usual prizes for vehicles & we have various charities there also with giveaways. I'm always happy to buy a red lobster load of tickets & even though I don't win, I know that my $20 has gone to a good cause. I've been entering both my Holden VY V6 & V8 S utes since I moved here. My V6 ute is fully finished & OEM+. It looks as though it just came out of the factory even though I restored it nearly 10 years ago. My V8 ute is in the throes of being restored to the day it came off the factory floor. Before each monthly event, I usually spend about 3 days prepping both utes to a very high standard. When you get these feral dogs at these events, 100% of the time they are very vocal, think they know everything & think they can build better. 100% of the time these feral dogs don't even have a car to show off but feel that they have to criticise every car at every event. One bloke thought that I engine & trans swapped an LS1 into my S Pack ute. He claimed he knew everything about Holden & said that the SS utes were the only ones that have a V8 (back in 2003 you could option a V8 across the range). I even showed him the utes build sheet from Holden & the build plate. He still claimed what he stated. Then you get other feral dogs saying "It's not an SS", yeah you're right but it's an S optioned with an LS1. Then when they look at my V6 ute they think it's a waste of time & money. My V6 ute was built on a budget of $10K including the cost of the ute. It was proof that you can build a showroom car for not a huge budget. These feral dogs have no idea how long these builds take & how far you have to go to OEM+ a build. Then of course there's prepping for each event. Both of my utes have a folder each with copies of build sheets, photos of the restoration in progress stages & those to thank for their help in the builds. These feral dogs just don't get it. All they want is burnouts, but I'm not wasting my tyres for a few seconds to get their jollies off. If I want a skid pig, I'd build one for sponsored events but I don't want to. I just want to preserve what we don't have any more. The event I go to frowns on burnouts when leaving, but it's also one of not many events where we don't need security & the cops who come by are friendly & encourage us for the event. What I do frown on besides the ferals, are parents who can't control their children. They want to jump inside, play with switches & leave their grubby hand marks everywhere. I've had a go at a few kids who have jumped in both my utes, only to have the parents have a go at me for chastising their kids. Kids need to be taught by parents to respect entrants cars & the work to preserve them so they can be seen at other meets. I've scaled down going to events, but I have met tons of likeminded people who want to keep their classics on the road & they're all easy to talk to. As some who have commented here Scotty, they've met you, you talked to them, you've made their day & I hope they made yours on the work that you do. I'm glad that you've taken the time to talk to people. I've always wanted to go to Summer Nats ever since it started, but my mates & I always had something come up so we could never go. We just read about it all in Street Machine & on the videos that now pop up on KZbin. The future, well we don't have a crystal ball to see what it'd actually be like, but, have a look at what's on our roads & think 20 years down the track. It worries me that we'll see Chinese built crapboxes at car events (that's if they don't rust away or the parts supply runs out first!). The lawn mower events at Summer Nats needs to go. Have a motorbike event to show off classic motorbikes at Summer Nats. I also agree 100% with others Scotty that you need to do a podcast for the channel with guests. Even video their vehicles & do test runs etc. You'll get more coming to the channel that way. To those of you who build vehicles for events, I have full respect for what you do & when I see your vehicle(s), I'll always ask you a ton of questions on your pride & joy. Sorry for the long comment but it's hard to keep things short such as this.

[@J.HOLE93]

Finally feels like I can take my kids too the Nat’s now and feel safe, dick heads ruin everything and was good too see a change. You hear of 50 year olds that have been every year with there dads from when they where kids and I think the last 5 years made it impossible for me and my kids to feel safe. Good shit I’ll actually go next year now.

[@andrewthompson7793]

Makes me want to visit Oz and do summernats. 😁 Ireland here 👍

[@PropanePete]

I haven’t been to Summernats as it’s not my “thing” but have been to a couple of local burnout events and the cars were pretty impressive. But the thing that raised my eyebrows was watching several hundred people breathing tiny toxic airborne rubber particles (tyre smoke). I kept moving around to keep upwind of the smoke. How does this work? Is there anything known about lung damage and infections from inhaling tyre smoke?

[@blownhemi]

@@PropanePete I don't suppose it's good for you, but I haven't heard about any tests

[@PropanePete]

@ I did some quick Googling on the subject and yes, there’s a lot written about tyre smoke at burnout events and respiratory issues associated with burning rubber. It is definitely very dangerous stuff, airborne carcinogenic compound particulates, cyanide, Sulphur Dioxide, Benzene, Lead, Styrene, etc, etc. It’s bordering on HAZCHEM specifications according to some respiratory specialists. Amazing, I didn’t expect tyre smoke to be so serious. So it seems that if you’re a spectator or participant in burnout events you absolutely should be wearing a high quality mask (and goggles) and change the filters several times during the course of the day’s events. It’s not just lungs, it’s the eyes too but I didn’t research any further as that is enough scary information for me. Perhaps this subject should be brought up.

[@adrianzmajla4844]

It's definitely not good for you, after working in jobs around plastic and rubber extrusion. Tough guys will laugh at you. Fuckem! Wear a dust mask or full respiratory mask.

[@PropanePete]

@ Yeah, you’re right. I looked it all up. Breathing in that stuff from burning rubber is as toxic as hell. Scary actually. And as you say, the “tough guys” probably wouldn’t want to wear a mask and smoke goggles as it would look “uncool”…

[@WhiteHammer-d3j]

Got worse things to worry about like maccas and obesity. You’ll be right mate

[@klk247]

Hey scotty love ya vids mate keep it up bro. Went to nats 2024 and camped on site. Security last year were an issue some of them had a real ego problem and saw with my own eyes a pair of saco's walking through the tents were you watch the burnouts, and some guy, albeit he was a bit drunk, bumped into one of them and they turned around and started harrassing him even though he was no combative it was not until my self and the crowd told the saco's to de-escalate the situation not razz it up they backed off, it was very unprofessional and this was not the only incident i witnessed that trip. I understand that 2023 got a bit gnarly so the bump up on security could be warranted but it really put a dampener on the weekend i chose not to got this year because it put a bit of a foul taste in my mouth to be honest. But watching this vid puts a bit of perspective on the whole thing and you saying that a different security mob ran it this year is nice to hear so thank you man. Maybe next year i will give it another go

[@blownhemi]

The security this year were very professional

[@klk247]

@blownhemi ok then i shall rally the boys again for 2026 see you there bro!

[@Jay1770C]

My first visit was also 7. Was pretty cranky that the riots shut down the cruise. Camping in a tent with all 4 days high 30’s. Bugger all sleep as there were some seriously pissed fellas chucking laps all night. Absolutely pissed down with torrential rain on the last night & had to abandon the tent when a river started flowing beneath it. Cars were awesome but it wasn’t all shits & giggles.

[@blownhemi]

That was was brutal, I remember getting flooded out of my tent as well. What a weekend!

[@chrisoo8998]

I remember years ago me and mates camped few of my mates could get wild. even they said this is too much and got hotel the next time we went. they were tammed compared to the campers back then 😂

[@Gazzatron51]

I guess i was one of those pissed idiots at the old Summernats, #6, still got the T shirt, from what ive seen over the years on internet it still looks to have too much of a yobbo element for being a "family" event. There were other events over the years that catered to the yobbo crowd where Summernats should've become a genuine family event like the big shows in the states.

[@Ironwulf2000]

Looking at the box behind you mate... got some expectations for that ute eh? Probably justified I guess :)

[@Low760]

So yes. Summernats is better overall now. Unfortunately there's people who go thinking about things other than cars which can be done elsewhere.

[@blownhemi]

@@Low760 there's always going to be idiots unfortunately we can only keep trying to push them out

[@anthonytallarida4192]

Spoke to you just before the supercruise on Saturday evening. I have the green VE Valiant with the white roof. You forgot to mention the mullet competition. Lol. I guess it has replaced the wet tshirt comp.

[@blownhemi]

I actually didn't even see the mullet comp this year, did it happen?

[@anthonytallarida4192]

@blownhemi sure did. On the main stage

[@scotttisco]

11:37 we used to camp on tuff Street every year, this is the exact reason I stopped camping too, get woken up at 5am by the street sweeper, then go to have a shower and someone has shit in it.

[@blownhemi]

Ahh yeah, the good old street sweeper

[@rogersford1]

Hi Scotty IV been to the last 3 Summernats and this year was by far better security was brilliant we even thanked them and shared some pizza with them felt safe compared to last year where security just wanted to punch on I agree with the strippers and wet tshirt there's a few spots to see that in Canberra don't need it at the nats