Townsville 2025: All you need to know about Summernats goes Troppo
Summernats goes Troppo brings high horsepower burnout machines to Townsville in a car lover's extravaganza.
It's all about smoking it up and destroying tyres in the burnout competition. Instant smoke, constant smoke, and volume of smoke are all considerations, whilst driving skill offers 50 of the 100 available points.
Deductions are handed out for any wall contact, stopping, large fires, and five points are taken away for every tyre that remains inflated.
So, what is Summernats?
Summernats is paradise for car lovers, with high-octane and high horsepower the name of the game. Whilst the iconic Canberra Summernats remains the biggest event on the tour, the Pro Burnout Series tours around the country all year long, including two events in New Zealand.
Is Summernats all about burnouts?
Summernats isn't all about burnouts and skids, there is plenty to see away from the skid pan as well.
Whether it's static displays, car builds, dyno demonstrations, or automotive expos, there is something for everyone at Sunmmernats goes Troppo.
There is even a mullet and tattoo competition to keep the entertainment rolling away from the cars.
How is the burnout competition judged?
It's all about smoking it up and destroying tyres in the burnout competition. Instant smoke, constant smoke, and volume of smoke are all considerations, whilst driving skill offers 50 of the 100 available points.
Deductions are handed out for any wall contact, stopping, large fires, and five points are taken away for every tyre that remains inflated.
How does show judging work?
For static displays, cars are judged on six key criteria:
Engine and engine bay (styling, finish, and cleanliness all earn big points)
Interior (fabrication, stitching, and minimal trim gaps are big ticket items for interiors)
Body (judging the car's stance, as well as the body and wheel colour combo)
Paint (lights and reflections are used to judge the level of detail and consistency of a paint job)
Engineering (refers to any mechanical changes made to the car. Build books are often used to document car builds, and show changes that are difficult to spot)
Undercarriage and driveline (elements of this cross over with engineering, however the fit and finish of custom parts is also judged)
Who are the star attractions?
Superstars of the Pro Burnout Tour and drifting will be taking to the skid pan several times across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with cars set to be tearing up the NTI Townsville 500 non-stop.
Saturday's action will come to a close with a stunning Twilight Show at 5:05pm, whilst burnout cars will be fired up in a cackle fest prior to running on the skid pan, in a symphony of mega horsepower.
There is a field of 14 burnout cars and 10 drift cars set to send up plenty of smoke in Townsville, with full entry lists available here.
Off the skid pan, Cam Waters' stunning XB Falcon will be on display, whilst Dennis O'Brien will bring his one-tonne behemoth that was recently crowned Northern Nats Champion.
