Rockynats 05 Thrills Record-Breaking Crowds on Final Day
Published on 06 April 2025
As the smoke settled from the burnout pad and the smell of petrol slowly drifted away from the Rockhampton CBD, entrants, spectators and event organisers alike gathered in celebration of the biggest and best Rare Spares Rockynatsevent to date at the Full Throttle Awards and Pit Stop Party. With a record-breaking 1800 entrants and more than 64,000 attendees flooding through the gates over the weekend, Rockynats 05 once again affirmed its title as one of Australia’s premier automotive festivals.
Rockhampton Region Mayor, Tony Williams, praised the Rockhampton community for embracing the event and showcasing everything the region has to offer to thousands of visitors from across the country.
“Our community should be incredibly proud of the way we’ve once again put on an unforgettable event,” Mayor Williams said. “The atmosphere across the weekend has been electric and seeing thousands of people descend on Rockhampton to celebrate all things automotive was fantastic.”
“It’s a real testament to our region’s ability to host world-class events.”
Over at the FMX Kaos Showgrounds Precinct, Rockabilly fashion took centre stage with the RockabillyNats Pin-Up competition captivating audiences. Bow Dacious, who travelled all the way from the Gold Coast to participate in the pageant, took out top honours thanks to her high-energy, interactive talent section, wowing judges and spectators alike. Mackay’s Ruby Red was crowned runner-up and winner of the People’s Choice award, while the Beginners Fashion Parade encouraged fashion lovers of all experience levels and ages to showcase their unique style in a pressure-free environment.
Competition organiser and host, Cherry Bombshell, said both ladies were highly deserving winners.
"Both winners truly embodied the spirit of the RockabillyNats competition,” Cherry praised. “Bow Dacious captivated the crowd with her singalong talent section, full of personality and fun, and Ruby Red captured hearts not just on the stage, but all the way from Mackay, thanks to her daughters wholesome campaign spreading her photo and QR code around town to collect votes.”
At the Buddy’s Fire Burnout Pad, the action was non-stop with the finals of both the Burnout Open Class and the Burnout Pro Class providing plenty of action and adrenaline. Across the weekend, the pad was lit up with a total of 337 burnouts and obliterated over 600 tyres in a thrilling display of driver skill and control. The Open Class crown went to Michael Genrich, while Russell Harris took out the Burnout Pro Class in his 1987 Holden Commodore VL Sedan.
Pro Burnouts Entrant and Rockynats regular, Jay Chun Tie, commented on the calibre of the cars and competition at the event, explaining that drivers laid it all on the pad in pursuit of Rockynats glory.
“The calibre of cars at Rockynats this year was really high, and the event always has such good vibe, which is why I love coming,” Chun Tie said. “In the Pro series especially, you had 30 of the best cars turning up and there was good prize money on the line as well as tickets through to the final at Summernats, so everyone went all out. Everything was on the line, there was no holding back, and we all went out there to do our best, which guaranteed the audience a good show.”
Quay Street set the stage for high-speed excitement as the Street Drags finals played out in front of an adrenaline-charged crowd. The Pro Street category saw Paul Butler and his 1975 Holden Gemini TX Sedan clinch victory. Wayne Colley in his 1984 Ford XE Falcon Wagon took out the Super Street competition, Matt Sparks earned the top podium in the Street competition in his 2002 Holden Monaro CV8 Coupe, and Bailey Peacock earned bragging rights in the bike category with his 2013 Yamaha Mt09 Naked.
Summernats Director, Andy Lopez, hailed the event as a massive success, reflecting on the incredible energy and spectacle delivered across the weekend.
“The atmosphere at Rockynats 2025 has been absolutely next level,” Lopez said. “The entrants turned it on, and the audience got an unforgettable show. The streets of Rockhampton have once again proven to be the perfect setting for all the action both on and off the track.”
Advance Rockhampton’s Tourism and Events Manager, Zac Garven, emphasized the significance of Rockynats in positioning Rockhampton as a premier events and tourism destination.
“Hosting nationally recognised events like Rockynats is pivotal for putting Rocky on the Radar,” Garven said.
“It’s fantastic to see so many entrants and visitors not only from the Rockhampton region but from across Queensland and beyond. Breaking records again in 2025, whether it’s entrant numbers, ticket sales, or attendance, affirms the ongoing success of Rockynats and its bright future.”
As the engines cool and the crowds head home, one thing is certain. Rare Spares Rockynats 2025 has left an unforgettable mark with entrants, spectators and community members alike already keen to come back for more.