PRESS RELEASE: Records Smashed at Rockynats 02
As the smell of burning rubber and tyre squealing come to a close on day two of the Rare Spares Rockynats 02, the city of Rockhampton is still running at an all time high on octane fumes. With not a vacant hotel room and queues of punters exploring local restaurants, pubs and other region must-sees like the zoo and Mt Archer’s Nurim Circuit, the Rockynats festival has been a raging success in a time where festivals of this size have been few and far between.
Following the incredible success of the inaugural event in 2021, which saw over 45,000 people pass through the gates during the three-day festival, Summernats co-owner, Andy Lopez, is thrilled to say that 2022 is even bigger.
“In only two events, the Rare Spares Rockynats has established itself as one of the three best automotive lifestyle events in Australia and sits proudly alongside the Street Machine Summernats and the Red CentreNATS in the list of must do motoring festivals.
“The participation statistics are extraordinary. 1152 cars and bikes participated in Australia’s biggest street parade, and 1468 Aussie car and bike lovers entered the event.
“It’s pretty mind-blowing, and an amazing affirmation of the culture the great Chic Henry created so many years ago with the Summernats in Canberra,” said Andy.
The additions of Mulletfest, Pro Wrestling, The Rockabilly Pin-up Competition and the Redback Ink Tattoo Competition, have brought another dimension to the 2022 event by broadening the participation outside of the car world and appealing to an even bigger audience.
“It’s great to see such a wide range of people enjoying Rockynats this year, from young families to your die-hard car enthusiasts, everyone is lapping up the action and loving it.
“The quality of vehicles and drivers this year has been phenomenal and I know the Rockynats judges will have a tough time choosing winners when they are unveiled at 6pm tonight,” said Greg.
There was a steady stream of punters as far as the eye could see with spectators easily moving from precincts on orange Neuron E-Scooters and others taking advantage of the cross-river ferry to take in all the action of the National Burnout Masters Series on the Northside of the mighty Fitzroy River.
The action changed gears from burnouts to bulls at event close last night, with the PBR Rockhampton Invitational kicking off at the Great Western Hotel. Aussie number one and CQ boy, Aaron Kleier took out the top honours as hundreds watched on.
With still a heap of action set to take place on day three of the event, the only words on everyone’s lips are, ‘When can we buy tickets for Rockynats 03?’ Mayor Tony Williams has teased us with the details saying, “It is incredible to feel the energy and atmosphere surrounding Rare Spares Rockynats 02 this weekend.
“Hosting this high-octane event right on our doorstop is not only fantastic for local motorsports fans but brings in visitors from across the country.
“This is the second year in a row the event has run and we’re looking forward to announcing dates for next year’s event in the near future.”
So stay tuned… Rockynats 03 is coming and we can only expect it to be bigger and better than before.
