A CHAT WITH:
ANDY LOPEZ SUMMERNATS CO-OWNER
FRIDAY is when the action starts to hot up. My favourite
thing to do is stroll past the Elite Hall and check out
the cars as they line up and get ready for judging, and
hopefully, selection in the Top 60. This is where you’ll
find potential Grand Champions and clap eyes on cars
that no one has seen before. The trade halls are also
open today, so make sure you check them out and grab
some merchandise before it sells out.
There are six and a half hours of burnout eliminations
and it’s a good day to go and check it out, because,
let’s face it, some of those cars aren’t leaving there alive.
There’s nothing quite like a bit of mechanical carnage to
get the crowd revved up. There’s also plenty going on
at Tuff Street, where some of the toughest cars in Oz
are becoming some of the most detailed as well. A giant
motor stuffed into a small car won’t cut it anymore. If you
want to win on Tuff Street, you’ve got to be neat as well.
After a long day outdoors, as the sun goes down it’s
time to track back to the Elite Hall and check out the
Top 60 and see what wonders are hidden under the
silk covers at the Meguiar’s Great Uncover. If you don’t
like crowds, this isn’t the place for you. The past few
years it has been shoulder-to-shoulder in there, so take
your time and be patient – especially if you’re trying to
take a photo.
If you’ve got any energy left, head over to the Main
Stage and take in some live music with 28 Days and
Thundamentals. But wait, there’s more! Kick on at the
after-party in the Summernats Bar, but don’t forget,
there’s still two more days of this madness to go!DAY TWO
FRIDAY
05 JAN