Smoke, Speed & Spectacle: All the Action from Super Saturday
Published on 05 April 2025
Spectators at Rare Spares Rockynats were treated to an action-packed super Saturday with the streets of Rockhampton playing host to everything from burnouts and street drags to drifting, the adrenaline-fueled 4x4 zone, and even the unique excitement of mower racing. With thousands of fans flooding the event’s three precincts, the atmosphere was electric, and the entertainment nonstop.
With Rockynats 05 being the first year that the event is not being held over the Easter long weekend, Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams explains that the date change has brought significant benefits to both visitors and local businesses.
“Holding the event away from the long weekend has allowed more local businesses in the CBD and surrounding event precincts to be open across the entire weekend, providing a welcome economic boost while also enhancing the off-track experience for spectators and entrants,” Mayor Williams said.
One of the day’s most stunning attractions was the Show N Shine where over 200 meticulously polished and restored street machines lined Rockhampton’s heritage-listed Quay Street. Fans of all ages marvelled at the incredible range of colours, shapes, and exteriors on display, with the oldest car, a 1913 Ford Model T Tourer, dating back to 1913. The dedication and craftsmanship behind each vehicle were on full display, showcasing the love and passion that entrants pour into these remarkable remodels and restorations.
Summernats Director, Andy Lopez, praised the impressive quality of vehicles and entrants that Rockynats attracts, saying that 2025 has been no exception.
“The calibre of cars and competition we see at this event year on year is incredible,” said Lopez. “Whether its Elite entrants vying for title of ‘Top Judged’ or ‘Rockynats Champion’, burnout drivers aiming to secure their tickets to the Summernats Pro Burnout Series, or entrants racing to put down the fastest 1/8th mile time and secure the ultimate bragging rights on the drag strip, Rockynats continues to set the standard for automotive events in Australia.”
For the first time, the Drift Precinct expanded to include ‘Little Tokyo’—a thrilling fusion of high-speed drift action and vibrant Asian street food flavours. The expanded precinct, which also included a new dedicated JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) showcase, provided an immersive experience for fans, bringing them closer to the action than ever before.
Drift driver and JDM showcase participant, Mercury Lien, shared her enthusiasm, saying,
“The addition of Little Tokyo and the dedicated JDM Showcase has taken the Drift Precinct to another level. It’s been awesome for us JDM automotive enthusiasts to get our own special spot and it’s been exciting to see the community get behind it.”
Across the river at the Buddy’s Fire Burnouts Precinct, the heat was on as drivers took to the pad for qualifying in the Burnout Open and Burnout Pro Series, alongside the last run of the fan-favourite Skid Row. Now in its second consecutive year, Skid Row once again delivered on its promise of more noise and more smoke, captivating crowds with its unique format.
Local Skid Row participant, Simon Finglas, who’s local business, Tuned by Chop, proudly sponsored the event at Rockynats 05 praised the opportunity that it provides for both entrants and fans.
“The beauty of Skid Row is that it gives everyone the chance to have a crack without worrying about blowing tyres or doing any damage to your car. It’s a fun, safe environment, anyone can do it, and everyone loves watching it too,” Simon says.
“It was an unreal experience to send our car down skid row, right here in Rocky, and a privilege to have been able to help make it happen for the entrants and the fans,” he continues. “Plus, it’s a huge opportunity for us as a young, local business to help get our name out there.”
As the day’s adrenaline-fueled action wound down, fans were treated to a concert headlined by ARIA chart-topping local heroes, Busby Marou, who together with their full band rounded out a full day of non-stop entertainment.
With one more day of motorsport excitement still to come, including the finals of the Burnout and Street Drag competitions, Rockynats 05 is proving once again why it’s one of the most unique and exhilarating events on the Australian automotive calendar.