$100,000 ON THE LINE AS RED CENTRENATS UNLEASHES TWO MASSIVE DRAG RACING SHOOTOUTS IN 2027

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Red CentreNATS is turning up the heat on grassroots drag racing in 2027, with $100,000 on the line across two massive drag racing shootouts at Alice Springs Inland Dragway.

The unique eighth-mile competition will see sportsman and street racers go head-to-head for a share of the huge prize pool, with the shootouts designed specifically to put serious money on the table for grassroots racers.

With two $50,000 drag racing shootouts, Red CentreNATS 2027 will deliver one of the biggest prize-money opportunities ever presented to Australian sportsman and street drag racers.

The format will be all about racing — simple, tough and accessible — giving competitors the opportunity to bring their street or sportsman machines to the Red Centre and battle it out over the eighth-mile.

It will make Red CentreNATS 2027 the richest drag racing event in Australia and marks a major step up for an event that has always done things differently.

Red CentreNATS promoter Andy Lopez said the direction for 2027 was simple – go big.

“Red CentreNATS was built different from day one. You can bring your pride and joy into the middle of Australia and do things with it here that you can’t do anywhere else.
“The prize money is a bit of a flex for sure but we’re putting serious money on the table out of respect to the automotive community that supports us and this awesome event.
“We want to see sportsman and street drag racers heading our way. Dial your own racing over the eighth mile in the desert for $100,000. It’s never been done in Australia and it’s going to be mint.
“Two drag racing shootouts. $100,000 on the line. If you want it, come to Alice Springs and take it — just know there’ll be plenty of people trying to beat you to it.”

The announcement builds on changes introduced at Red CentreNATS 2026, where increased prize money attracted stronger competition across Pro Burnouts, drag racing and Dirt Drags.

Cars you never see on the street anywhere else cruised legally through Alice Springs, 100 motorbikes rode through an iconic outback pub, and competitors could drive from the burnout pad and drag strip to the dirt drags to their accommodation without loading up to a trailer.

In the major results from 2026, NSW’s Robert Cottrell in 4DH8RS was the Pro Burnout winner, Mark Hunt from SA claimed the Wild Bunch National Titles, Alice Springs local Dan Hodgins won the 7 second Heavy Hitter drag racing category with a blistering 325.32 km/hr run, and Daniel Brearley from WA took home the inaugural Dirt Drag Bike V8 class.

Chris Hadden from Adelaide not only took part in every Red CentreNATS competition but was also crowned Red CentreNATS Champion in his beautiful LJ Torana.

Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Events Hon. Marie-Clare Boothby said,

“Red CentreNATS brings people from across Australia to Alice Springs, filling accommodation, supporting local businesses and giving visitors a reason to stay longer and experience more of the Red Centre.
“Just as importantly, it’s an event that Alice Springs really owns. The community, local businesses and automotive industry are part of what makes Red CentreNATS so unique, and we’re excited to see that continue to grow in 2027.”

Lopez said,

“While the money changes the game for some, the competition is just one part of Red CentreNATS. The Street Parade, cruising, show cars, bikes, dirt drags and everything else that makes Red CentreNATS unique stays as the heart of the event.