Following in the lines of the Street Machine Summernats Grand Champion, custom car show curator Owen Webb has taken it upon himself to bring that level of judging criteria around the country, with the likes of Rockynats Champion, Red CentreNATS Champion, and for the last three years, Northern Nats Champion.

Given how prestigious it is to win just one of these awards, it makes it that even more remarkable that Dennis O’Brien and his HZ-fronted, big-block behemoth of a HQ ute has clocked its second NN Champion title in a row.

“I can’t believe it, it was more stiff competition this year, people don’t realise how much time and effort go into cars like these,” says Dennis. “I’m so grateful I get to share moments like this with my wife and my son, because you don’t get moments like these back.”

The NN Champion criteria follows the same tones as Summernats, with a stack of show judging needed to be backed up with driving events to prove you have the ultimate all ’round machine. Owen had his 10 chosen contestants take on an eighth-mile drag pass, and then a slalom and go-to-whoa in one more driving test on the burnout pad.

“The driving events are usually what makes and breaks this for them,” says Owen. “In this case, there was just two points across the top three, and it was Dennis’ win in the drags that made the difference.”

Many punters agreed Dennis’s win was thoroughly deserved, given how hard he punishes the HQ in everything Northern Nats has to offer to entrants.

“Mate, the thing has done so many sets of tyres, and it just keeps going!” says Dennis. “We love this event, the people, the cars, and I love sharing it with the family.”