Car lovers head to Canberra for Summernats

More than 100,000 car lovers have started pouring into Canberra for the annual Summernats event, with police urging people to have fun but be safe.

The four-day street race event will include burnout battles, precision driving demonstrations and street machine competitions.

Event operation commander, Sergeant Donna Hofmeier, said local police would be patrolling the streets with additional support available.

"But I don't see that being a need really," she told reporters on Thursday.

"Key concern is making sure everyone is having a good time and not being harassed by antisocial behaviour," she said.

Designated non-alcohol zones are in place to ensure the event is family friendly, while traffic police will also be out and about ensuring car lovers are also safe drivers.

Sgt Hofmeier said police had a good relationship with event goers.

"We're not here to stop people having a good time," she said.

"We're just here to make sure they do it safely."