The 18-year-olds, car lovers from Tuggeranong, said the looming closure posed the question: ''What has the country come to?''

The women have been lifelong spectators at Summernats, saying: ''The car scene is pretty much the only scene in Canberra.''

But the event would not have happened if founder Chic Henry had not created it in 1988.

Mr Henry, who sold the event several years ago, was seen walking around Exhibition Park in Canberra in his role as Summernats ambassador and he explained that, in many ways, it was the perfect role for him.

Much of his time was spent chatting to visitors, who thanked him for creating the annual homage to the car.

''Today I've probably spoken 11 million words and taken 10 breaths,'' Mr Henry said. ''The people here are having such a fabulous time, almost the time of their lives.''

Phillip Thomson