Toowoomba’s Gersekowski ready to light up the streets of Rockhampton

Published on 25 March 2021

Easter can’t come fast enough for Toowoomba-based motorsport king Wal Gersekowski.

The reigning Red CentreNATS Burnout Masters titleholder and Canberra Summernats fan favourite is headed to Rockhampton with his seriously weaponised HG ute for an all-out assault on the top tyre shredding honours at the inaugural Rare Spares Rockynats.

He’s also entered his immaculately prepared HT Monaro in the ‘Show n’ Shine’ at the biggest car festival in Queensland’s history.

Gersekowski says the largely unsuspecting Rockhampton crowds are in for an unforgettable three-day show.

“It’s a brand-new event at an all-new location and to have so much horsepower unleashed in the inner city will be absolutely amazing,” he said.

Gersekowski is a street sprints and short circuit racing specialist who has been competing in burnout competitions since 1999

He says his success on the national stage has not come without a ute load of hard work and a couple of decades of serious pedal to the metal experience.

“You have to keep moving fast and use every inch of the burnout pad, even if you can’t see where you are going through all the smoke.

“To take out the first ever Rockynats Burnout Masters title would be unbelievable.

“The crowd plays a big part because plenty of fans follow us all around the country to watch us lay rubber and they always expect us to bring our A game,” Gersekowski said.

Gersekowski and more than 1000 cars from as far as Western and South Australia will converge on the Capricornia capital, much better known for beef than burnouts.

Advance Rockhampton Manager Tourism, Events & Marketing, Annette Pearce said Rockynats presented a great opportunity to showcase the city’s diversity and its ability to stage world-class events.

“We have been absolutely thrilled with the interest and we have entrants coming in from all over Australia to be a part of one of the nation’s biggest events since COVID-19.

The festival will also deliver a high-octane line up of street drag racing, drifting mayhem, and hundreds of custom and classic street cars and bikes in the Show n’ Shine.

Ms Pearce said a 90-minute, 800 + car street parade will be a spectacular and COVID-safe way to open the event on Good Friday.

“There are still one and two-day tickets available as well as some inner-city accommodation with ‘glamping’ and camping sites within walking distance of all the action still available, but filling up fast,” she said.

The 2021 Rare Spares Rockynats will be held from 2-5 April 2021.

The Rockhampton edition is presented by Rockhampton Regional Council, Naming Rights Sponsor Rare Spares and supporting precinct and event sponsors.

For information on camping/glamping visit:  Rockynats 2021 - 2nd - 5th April - Rent a Tent