The distinctive smell of burning tyres in Canberra on Thursday could mean only one thing: Summernats has arrived.
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Thousands from across Australia flocked to EPIC for day one of the country's ultimate car festival.
The highlight of day one was the wildcard last chance shoot out round of the burnouts competition.
Crowds roared as they watched drivers put on the ultimate show for the chance at a few coveted spots in the main draw.
Toowoomba man Warren Gersekowski has competed in the burnouts at Summernats for the past eight years.
He travels around the country competing with his Holden ute dubbed 1TUFHG but nothing brings the bragging rights that Summernats does.
"This is the Bathurst of burnouts," he said.
"Driving is just a rush, it's becoming a real sport now and getting bigger and bigger."
After previously placing in the top ten, he was hoping to snag a wildcard entry into the main draw but the competition was tough.
The competition is judged on the amount smoke the driver can create, the sound of the engine and driver control, while blowing a tyre will lose contestants points.
Adding to the spectacle, different car tyres give off different coloured smoke depending on what colour is embedded.
Spectator Ben Endacott from Dubbo - who is attending his first Summernats - said the burnouts were "f---ing awesome and a horsepower party".
This year the festival also has a tent dedicated to tattoo artists, bringing some of the best from across the country together in one place.
It means people have to get their tattoo in a public place surrounded by curious eyes, but it didn't worry Port Macquarie man Nick Petty.
"It's a bit different but it distracts you from the pain so it's good," he said.
It is his third time visiting Summernats which has two of his favourite things: cars and tattoos.
The festival runs from January 4 to 7 and will feature more burnout rounds, tattoos, live music, drinks and music.