Revheads Of All Stripes Roar In To Check Out Phwooar Factor

Sydney Morning Herald

Friday January 7, 2000

By CATRIONA PURCELL

Those who could squealed their wheels. Those who couldn't donned sombreros and kowtowed when their favourite car passed with its stereo blaring and duco sparkling in the sun.

It was the first day of Canberra's annual Summernats festival, when petrol-heads take priority over politicians and the city braces itself for the equivalent of a four-day Woodstock on wheels.

The Carlton family from Dubbo arrived at 10am sans the FJ drag car they hoped to show because it was in the workshop waiting to be spray-painted.

It was the 10th year Greg and his wife, Jo, have attended the event and only the second time without a ``real" car suitable for exhibition but they were determined to have a good time.

Mr Carlton had found a few old mates and settled in the shade on the side of the main strip to watch cars cruise. Nine-year-old Katrina sat on the Esky in the sun while seven-year-old Brett and his mother sheltered from the heat under a shade-tent.

``It is a great event for families," said Mrs Carlton, who first brought Brett to the car-fest when he was six days old and takes the children home when night falls so they are not around if things get rough.

``People are generally well behaved, but the guys can get silly after a few drinks, so if you are wearing a skimpy top and a boob-tube, you have to expect someone is going to pour a bucket of ice water over you."

As for the roar of engines, burning rubber and the squeal as drivers dropped the clutch and floored the accelerator, the family loved it all.

``They should be allowed to squeal their wheels," Mrs Carlton said. ``It's part of the whole thing."

Mr Dean McClymont and his friends travelled from Sydney to check out the action. Perched on the kerb complete with sombreros and several cans of beer, the six-member group toasted their ideal vehicles.

``It's good, real good," said Mr McClymont, who was at Summernats for the first time after hearing about it from his brother.``I want to be out there [cruising] next year ... fantastic."

In the scrutineers' building about 100 people watched quietly as judges examined inside, outside and underneath vehicles for even the slightest engineering flaw.

``These are the real enthusiasts," one onlooker said. ``You might have a flashy car that looks good but it is only great if it is technically perfect."

Mr Chic Henry, who has promoted the event for 13 years.