The Red Centre Nats will be returning to Alice Springs from Friday, and for the first time will include indoor exhibition spaces, the organisers have said.

Summernats chief executive officer Andy Lopez said the event was now in its 11th year and was the only event in Australia where approved, unregistered vehicles can cruise public roads.

He said as a precursor to the three-day festival there would be new night markets and a fringe festival on Thursday, with the car show itself including burnouts, show ‘n’ shine battles, the Yeperenye Street Parade, Mulletfest, the motorkhana, and a Father’s Day breakfast, along with new additions including roll racing under lights and dirt drags.

There will be also be the top doorslammer category drag showdown between husband-and-wife duo Lisa and Daniel Gregorini, and 11-time champion John Zappia with his 19-year-old nephew Brodie, along with the heavy hitters drag race with a $20,000 prize pool.

“We’ve been celebrating our shared love of horsepower in Alice Springs for more than 10 years now, and the enthusiasm and love people have for the event is incredible.” Mr Lopez said.

“Our entrants come from all across the country to be part of the event, bringing their passion for all things automotive and their incredible vehicles to the Northern Territory.

“The Lasseters precinct will be jam-packed with incredible cars, awesome bikes, and vibrant entertainment in every corner. It’s how we do it at Summernats, and it’s a major step forward for this event and a win for Lasseters and local operators.

“If you love cars and bikes or just having a great time in a spectacular part of the country, Red Centre Nats is such a great place to be.”

Mr Lopez predicted the event would attract a combined total of 10,000 people across the three days.

For more information and tickets visit the Red Centre Nats website.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article gave the total crowd figure over the three days of 100,000 people. This figure was contained in the NT government press release and was incorrect.