Red CentreNATS, presented by LMCT+, roars back into Alice Springs this Father’s Day weekend and local train driver and lifelong revhead Chris Rice is locking in for another year of engine revs, family vibes and chrome-coated fun. 

Chris has lived in Alice Springs for over 30 years and has been involved in Red CentreNATS since nearly the beginning. What started as a casual visit quickly became a full-blown obsession. 

“I came to the first one just for a look, got the bug and that was it. I had to be in it,” says Chris. 

This year, he will once again be rolling out his pride and joy, a 1974 Ford XB Falcon hardtop that only comes out for Red CentreNATS each year. 

“To me, it’s got the same value as a GT. I’ve spent a lot of time on it. The engine’s done more time going up and down than in forward and reverse but she’s a beauty,” he says. 

“I first spotted the car online a decade ago, took two days off work and drove straight to Albury to grab it. Since then, it’s been a full family project.” 

Chris’s love of cars was sparked early thanks to his mum’s unmistakable taste in tough old Fords. 

“Mum was the real revhead in our house. You’d hear her rumbling down the street before you saw her. She loved her cruisers,” says Chris. 

With a truck driving dad and a daughter, Alisha, who’s proudly running a V8 Commodore, it is safe to say the passion runs deep. 

“Getting the car ready for Red CentreNATS has become a real family tradition. Everyone gets involved and we all look forward to it every year.” 

“I lost my last partner in a motorcycle accident (Tracey Chesher) on 1st November, 2013 on the snowy River charity ride. I have built the coupe as tribute to her. its not the best looking car around, but so much heart has gone into it. It will get passed down to Alisha and has already told me she won’t part with the car.

“My partner now has been amazing with the build and never says no if I need something for it.”

Outside the shed, Chris works on The Ghan between Alice Springs and Darwin but he makes it clear Red CentreNATS is the one weekend he refuses to miss. 

“This is the only time of year I take off work. My boss knows not to expect me or he might get the sickie,” he laughs. 

With a couple of coupes in the shed, a newly acquired 1958 tow truck and what he calls “more projects than time” Chris proudly describes himself as a budget revhead, a label many entrants relate to. 

“It takes a lot of time and effort to get the car ready but it’s always worth it,” he says. 

Chris recently swapped one of his vehicles to get his hands on the tow truck, another long-term project now sitting in the shed. 

“Everything’s got a price tag. But if you can swap something for something and you’re willing to put in the time, it’s worth it.” 

Now a familiar face in the entrant lanes, Chris encourages more locals to join the fun, whether it’s putting your car on show, going racing or just enjoying the weekend with the family. 

“Whether you’ve got a tough street car or just something you’ve been working on at home, everyone fits in. It’s laid back, family friendly and there’s just something special about the noise, the shine and the people,” says Chris. 

Red CentreNATS 2025 will be held in Alice Springs across the Father’s Day weekend with elite show cars, burnouts, drag racing and more on display. 

Whether you’re entering or just soaking up the atmosphere, it is the ultimate celebration of Aussie car culture right in the heart of the country. 

Entries are open now. For more info or to lock in your spot, head to redcentrenats.com.au.