The Street Machine Summernats dyno competition kicked off in 1997 and it didn’t take long for the rage in the cage event to evolve into a full-on arms race. During the golden years of the event, the rules mandated the use of pump fuel and also limited the amount of boost that could be run.

This created some serious technological challenges for the emerging tuner scene, produced some legendary cars and established some reputations that lead to long-term careers in the horsepower game. As competition spiralled out of control, the organisers tinkered with the rules and then briefly replaced Horsepower Heroes with the Dyno Test for Summernats 23 and 24, before reinstating it for Summernats 25. These days, the rules are similar to Street Machine Drag Challenge – run what you brung and hope you brung enough!

Summernats Horsepower Heroes: