After missing a year for the first time in this iconic event’s 34-year history, Summernats was back bigger and better than ever.
We were all devastated when we had to cancel the 2021 event,” said Andy Lopez, co-owner of Summernats.
“But anyone there this year at EPIC in Canberra would agree that Summernats 34 was one to remember,” he said.
“2021 was a challenging year for everyone, but there is little doubt that the [more than] 80,000 punters who helped make this year’s event such a success really shook the dust off, proving just how resilient our community has become,” he added.
Running over four days in early January, attendees were treated to a true spectacle. As an Event Partner, Milwaukee Tool was on-hand to help fans celebrate their passion for modified cars, with the help of Rob Starling and his small team of volunteers from the Laurie Starling Scholarship.
“We were so excited when Milwaukee [Tool] invited us to man their stand in the Rare Spares Pavilion at this year’s event,” said Starling.
“The response to Milwaukee® was amazing right across all four days.”
“Having the opportunity to get back face-to-face, well mask-to-mask in reality, with people again was a reminder of just how important it is for everyone to make new acquaintances and catch up with old friends.”
Starling and his volunteers spent their time on the Milwaukee stand talking to visitors, bench racing and sharing lockdown stories. “What quickly became obvious was that a huge number of enthusiasts had spent many hours in the shed working on their projects during the lockdown,” he said.
“But what really knocked my socks off was how many had invested in new Milwaukee tools to help them get the job done.”
“These guys are passionate about tools and are passionate about Milwaukee,” he added.
Summernats marked the climax of a big year for Milwaukee Tool in the automotive industry. It brought together several activities that had been a focus for the company in 2021.
The winners of the Laurie Starling Scholarship, sponsored by Milwaukee Tool, and the Milwaukee Street Machine Of The Year (SMOTY) were announced of this year’s Summernats.
Corey Scragg was presented with the Laurie Starling Scholarship, a highlight of the event for Rob Starling.
“It’s the culmination of 12 months of hard work,” he said.
“We were excited to ask Corey to join us on stage to accept the Scholarship and to say a few words.”
Simon Telford from Street Machine was on hand to award Milwaukee Street Machine of the Year to the winner, Chad Ribbons, whose low-buck, shed-build Holden HD ute was a fan favourite.
“Chad’s ute is amazing,” Starling said.
“Amongst what was a stellar line up of absolutely mind-blowing rides all competing for the coveted Street Machine of the Year prize, it was my pick.”
The Street Machine VIP Party signalled the start of what will be remembered as one of the most action-packed Summernats on record. “As we watched the crowd pour through the gates on Friday, we knew it would be huge,” Starling explained.
With more than 2,000 entrants hitting the cruise route, nightly entertainment – including Timmy Trumpet, Hooligan Hefs and Kurser – along with burnouts, driffing and the unveiling of show-stopping new builds, there was something for everyone EVENTat Summernats 34. “Andy and his team did an amazing job [pulling] off this event, and we were proud to be part of it again and represent Milwaukee,” Starling said.
“We can’t wait to get back to Canberra for Summernats 35,” he added.
To find out more about Summernats, visit summernats.com.au