Beyond the Big Three: RN06 Program Packed With Off Track Action

Published on 19 March 2026

Burnouts, drags and drifting might be what Rare Spares and Repco Rockynats is most famous for, but beyond the smoke, speed and spectacle of all the on-track action sits a stacked program of lesser-known experiences that many attendees may have never stopped to explore.

With the official Rockynats 06 program now live, organisers are encouraging fans to dig a little deeper and discover the attractions that quietly deliver what are equally some of the most memorable moments of the weekend.

One of those is the Dyno Competition, proudly sponsored by Insane Performance. For competitors, it’s where bragging rights are earned. For spectators, it’s a raw, visceral showcase of engineering, sound and horsepower as entrants battle it out on hub dynos for cash and prizes.

With multiple categories catering to all vehicle types, the Dyno Competition is relentless and always promises plenty of drama thanks to screaming engines and enthralled crowds watching the numbers climb higher with every pull.

Last year’s winner and five-time Rockynats entrant, Daniel di Bella, says success on the Dyno doesn’t come down to luck or sheer engine numbers, it’s about consistency and reliability.

“It really comes down to whoever’s car is running the best on the day. Some years it’s just not your year, but thankfully last year everything came together for us. The car was dialled in, had been consistent right across the weekend and proved to be the most reliable on the day,” Daniel reflects.

Despite his silver 1974 Ford Falcon Sedan running a smaller engine than many of its competitors, Daniel says the surprise factor is part of the thrill.

“I like how the crowd sees the car and it’s always a little unexpected when they see the power that comes out of it. It makes all the right sounds and creates a buzz in the room. That always gives me a buzz too.”

For those who’ve never watched a Dyno Comp before, he says it’s one of the best places to take a break while still being fully immersed in the action at the FMX Kaos Showgrounds Precinct.

“It’s an awesome event to just sit back and watch. It’s got great grandstands and it’s always exciting because the stakes are so high and there’s an incredible variety of cars. The crowd absolutely loves it.”

Another unexpected crowd-pleaser returning to the FMX Kaos Showgrounds Precinct is the Remote Control (RC) Supercross competition, delivered in collaboration with the Rockhampton Radio Control Car Club (RRCCC). Featuring high-stakes, competition-level racing, demonstrations and pop-up shops surrounding a purpose-built dirt track, it provides just as much thrill, excitement and intensity as motorsport, only with cars a fraction of the size. 

“Expect to have your mind blown at Rockynats 06 this year,” says RC Supercross organiser, Luke Smith. “We’ll have almost twice as much dirt to play with compared to last year, which means a bigger track, bigger jumps and a bigger competition. Once you see the cars flying over jumps, racing wheel-to-wheel and hitting serious speeds, it’ll really grab your attention.”

The new public Come & Try activation on Saturday from 2pm to 4pm is also guaranteed to be a hit, with spectators able to take their own RC cars for a spin on the Rockynats RC track and experience what it feels like to race like an entrant.

“People will actually be able to come up onto the driver’s stand and have a go themselves,” Luke explains. “It’ll give them that adrenaline rush of what it’s like to pilot these cars around the track and a new appreciation for how cool the sport actually is.”

Rockynats is well known for being a family-friendly event, with plenty of action to keep kids of all ages enthralled and entertained. For little rev-heads who are keen to get involved first-hand, the Rev It Up Racing Junior Racing Experience, supported by Pedders Suspension & Brakes, is the place to be. 

Kids can jump into Junior Racing Simulators and race head-to-head, test their skills in the Kids’ Pit Stop Challenge using a real rattle gun, or put their reaction time to the test in the Drag Racing Challenge with a full-sized light setup. Add in podium photo opportunities and an F1-style photo booth, and it’s a full racing experience scaled perfectly for the next generation of future Rockynats entrants.

Whether it’s discovering a new favourite attraction or finally checking out something you’ve walked past for years, Rockynats proves there’s always more under the hood than meets the eye.

Fans can start planning their weekend now, with a full list and schedule of all the on and off-track entertainment now live on the Rockynats website and Rockynats app: www.rockynats.com.au/program.

Tickets are only available online at www.rockynats.com.au/GetTickets with kids 12 and under gaining free entry with any valid adult pass.