Chief Minister Katy Gallagher today welcomed the announcement that Summernats will be a part of the Canberra events calendar in 2013.

"I am thrilled that the Summernats Car Festival will remain in the ACT for at least one more year," the Chief Minister said.

"The event, now in its 25th year, is the largest car festival in the southern hemisphere and an important feature on the Canberra calendar.

"Every year Summernats helps to promote Canberra to a national audience, brings tens of thousands of people to the city and provides millions of dollars to the local economy during what is traditionally a quiet time of year," the Chief Minister said.

The event organisers, Out There Productions, have taken an option on their current two year contract to extend the event at EPIC for one more year.

The ACT Government has been a strong supporter of Summernats and has provided $105,000 over three years through the Events Assistance Program for business development, marketing and promotion of the event.

Organisers are confident that this year's event has seen an increase in crowd numbers, however the swell in attendance has not seen an increase in any trouble, with ACT Police happy with behaviour overall.

"The ACT Government has been working closely with the Summernats organisers to assist with this year's event and the return of the modified and very successful City Cruise down Northbourne Ave is another example of this partnership," the Chief Minister said.

"I look forward to working with Summernats organisers over the coming months to make sure the festival remains a feature of the Canberra holiday season."