Burnouts
The nation’s top burnout drivers will lay ALL their rubber on the line at Rockynats 05
The Northside Boat Ramp on the banks of the Fitzroy River transforms into the Buddy’s Fire Burnouts Precinct for two highly contested burnout competitions. With over 100 competitors, food vendors and a licenced bar, this is the place to be for the Rockynats weekend.
How are burnouts judged?
Burnouts may sound thrilling to onlookers, but for entrants, there are challenging judging standards that stand between them and victory.
From the minute the burnout starts, competitors want to achieve ‘instant smoke’ and then maintain voluminous smoke throughout their run.
What are entrants competing to win?
As an official qualifying event in the Summernats Pro Burnout Series, competitors in the Pro section compete for their ticket to the next Summernats event.
There’s also cash prizes on offer across both categories - plus ultimate bragging rights!
Spectator tips for the Rockynats Burnout competitions
Once the burnouts start, you won’t want to leave.
Here are some hot tips for how to prepare for the Rockynats Burnout competitions:
- Bring sunglasses, a good hat, water and sunscreen. Even in April, Rockhampton is hot. Throughout the day, different parts of the Buddy’s Fire Burnout precinct and grandstands will be in the sun.
- Consider bringing earplugs or earmuffs for kids (or adults!). Having ear protection for kids will give you peace of mind if you decide to stay for a long time.
- Learn the rules in advance. Knowing the rules will help you recognise what the competitors are trying to achieve and will give you a greater appreciation for their talent.
- Consider buying a Platinum ticket so that you have access to an exclusive grandstand with the best views.
What ticket type is best for watching the Burnout competitions?
While any Rockynats ticket will get you into the Buddy’s Fire Burnout zone, Platinum is the best ticket level for enjoying the precinct. Platinum pass will give you access to an exclusive grandstand with the best views of the arena.
They will also give you exclusive use of the Rockynats water taxis. As the Burnout precinct is located by the river on the Northside, opposite the Rockhampton CBD on the Southside, use of the water taxis will be the easiest way to travel between the Burnout precinct and the rest of the Rockynats event.
Past Rockynats Burnout events
Rockynats has become a popular host for adrenaline-pumping burnout events with high stakes for competitors.
2024 Burnout Competition
In 2024 Rockynats As an official qualifying event in the Summernats Pro Burnout Series, competitors in the Pro category compete for their ticket to the Summernats event.
2024 Rockynats Burnout Winners
Burnout Pro
1st – Warren Gersekowski (1TUFHG)
2nd – Jesse Johnson (KILLAK)
3rd – Kev Davis (EPAWHO)
Burnout Ultimate Redemption Round
1st – Darren Bromage (AGROTF)
Burnout Open
1st – Shaun Serotzki (SLAMAROK)
2nd – Ryan Borsboom (MARILYN)
3rd – Josh Coleman (ONETIME)
2023 Burnout Competition
In 2023 Rockynats was once again an official qualifying event in the national Burnout Masters Series. A record 100 competitors laid down burnouts over the weekend. The Pro burnout competition was taken out by Burnout Hall of Fame inductee Peter Grmusa in his XR Falcon ‘ATRISK’.
2023 Rockynats Burnout Winners
Burnout Pro Class
Winner
Peter Grmusa
Gold 1967 Ford XR Sedan (ATRISK)
2nd
Warren Gersekowksi
Morpheus 1971 Holden HQ Ute (1TUFHG)
3rd
Tristan Lee-Madgwick
Orange 2010 VE SS Ute (MISCHIEF)
Burnout Open Class (sponsored by Buddy's Fire)
Winner
Ben Lee-Madgwick White
2001 VX SS Sedan
2nd
Jacob Le Noble
Green 1974 Nissan Datsun120Y Sedan (SYCOPTH)
3rd
Keelan Heit
Purple 1977 Holden HJ Tonner (SKRTLIFTA)
2022 Burnout Competition
In 2022, the top three drivers earnt a golden ticket to compete in the final at Summernats 2023. 93 drivers participated, including two-time Burnout Master Champion, Jake Myers and his car ‘S1CKO’. 2022 was the first time Jake, who is regarded as one of the best in the business, attended the event, and he walked away with the win.
2021 Burnout Competition
2021 saw the launch of the the very first Rockynats Burnout Competition. The event quickly became a crowd favourite despite patches of wet weather. This year Peter Adams took out first place in the Burnout Comp with his ’04 VY, followed by Keelan Heit and Jai Goward. Burnout Master was secured by Warren Gersekowski after an impressive run in his 1TUFHG ’71 HG ute. Coming in second and third were Phil Kerjean’s ’80 Commodore wagon and Jay Chun-Tie in his ’78 Suzuki Carry ute.