JANUARY is a big month for car events around Australia. Most us are on holidays and it’s too damn hot to work anyway, so check out what’s happening near you and get along to a couple of car shows or burnout comps while the sun is out.

Of course, the big one is Street Machine Summernats 29 in Canberra, 7-10 January. We guarantee there will be a few surprise car reveals over the weekend, the best burnouts in the world and heaps of entertainment. It’s going to be massive, so make sure you’re checking the Street Machine website and social media pages because we’ll be posting lots of content live from the event. We’ve also got a full Summernats survival guide in our January mag, on sale now!

If you can’t get to Canberra, but you live in Melbourne, the 14th Annual Kustom Nationals at the Phillip Island circuit might interest you. It happens 8-10 January, and is one of the best pre-1965 car events in Australia, featuring some of the craziest and coolest customs from around the country. The event also includes rockabilly bands, beach parties, a pinstriping workshop and plenty more!

The Kandos Street Machine and Hot Rod show is on January 23-24 at the Simpkins Park Sports Complex in Kandos, NSW. The event includes a show n shine, burnouts, dyno, and go to woah and grass driving events. There will also be rides for the kids and a DJ and firework display on Saturday night.

Burnout Outlaws is also on at Sydney Dragway on 16 January, just one week after Summernats. With over $25,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, the big guns will be out in force putting on an epic show. It’ll cost adults $30 to spectate, and kids $15 – more info can be found at the Sydney Dragway website.

Another big burnout comp on in January is Motorvation at the Perth Motorplex on 22-24 January. This is always an exciting event, with the huge Motorplex burnout pad often catching out a few over-ambitious competitors. Check out our Best Thrills and Spills of 2015 story to see a few hard hits at the ’Plex from this year’s Motorvation.

There’s even something for car fans across the ditch in Tassie! Powercruise Tasmania is set to take over Symmons Plains Raceway on 22-24 January, with powerskids, burnouts, drifting, drag racing, a dyno competition, and loads of track cruising! A weekend spectator pass can be yours from $50, and there’s also camping options available. More info can be found on the Powercruise website.

Xtreme Power Fest 4 is also on Australia Day weekend at the Shepparton Driver Education Centre Australia (DECA). Entrants will be able to cruise the track all day with their mates, compete in the burnout and tip-in comps and the show ’n’ shine. Other driving activities include an obstacle course and go-to-whoa racing!

Another one for Australia Day weekend is the Victorian Hot Rod Show, held at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Victoria. Elite show cars, customs, classics and club cruisers will be on display all weekend, and trophies and prizes worth around $50,000 will be awarded to the best cars! Applications are already closed to enter your car, but anyone can spectate for $25.

On 30 January there’s also a Mad Max cruise through Clunes, Victoria, which includes a guided tour through the locations used in the Mad Max films! There will also be a party in the evening. More info can be found on the Freedom Riders Facebook.

What else is on:

• Cars Under The Stars, 31 Dec, Dubbo, NSW
• Drysdale Autopro Classic Car Show, 3 Jan, Drysdale, Vic
• North Coast Street Machines 26th Annual Show n Shine, Jan 10, Ballina, NSW
• Colac Custom Car and Bike Show, 15-17 Jan, Colac, Vic
• 34th Annual All American Day, 17 Jan, Castle Hill, NSW
• All Holden Day, 17 Jan, Glenelg, SA
• USA Day 2016, 17 Jan, Launceston, Tas
• Mount Gambier Auto Fest, 22-24 Jan, Mount Gambier, SA
• Centre State Rodders Swap Meet & Show N Shine, 24 Jan, Bendigo, Vic