Bigger-than-ever 4x4 Zone to turbo-charge Rockynats CBD excitement
Published on 27 March 2023
Four-wheel drive racer and enthusiast Dave Casey of SWL Racing has doubled the size of this year’s 4x4 Zone at Rare Spares Rockynats, with 60 hand-picked vehicles on display at this year’s event.
A well-known name in the 4x4 racing scene, Rockhampton local Dave Casey and his SWL Racing team are gearing up to host the ultimate 4x4 party in the Rockynats CBD Precinct. The SWL 4x4 Zone will feature 60 of Queensland’s best 4X4s, exclusively invited by Dave Casey to be a part of the Rockynats display.
The 4x4 precinct, open on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm, will be conveniently placed right next to the Rockynats street drags, giving car enthusiasts the perfect spot to camp out for a few hours. With a live DJ setting the atmosphere, Rockynats entrants can enjoy the BBQ and sausage sizzle, SWL merchandise, Dobinsons stand and free Mullet haircuts.
Attendees that love cars with grit and road experience can look forward to the flex ramp and turbo speed competitions, along with the chance to see 4x4 social media influencers with their own impressive cars nearby.
Dave Casey says the 4x4 Zone adds something unique to the Rockynats experience.
“What makes our zone different is that most of these cars are driven and not hidden. In our line-up we have modified Nissan Patrols, Toyota Landcruisers, a few small but mighty Suzuki Sierras and Jimnys, a huge Dodge Ram, old-school American pickups, and restored old 1965 Landcruisers which are a great contrast to the brand new Landcruiser models that will also be on display.”
“It would be rare to see all of these cars in the same place. Not many people know it, but CQ is one of Australia’s largest catchments of 4x4 enthusiasts, so it’s a perfect opportunity for passionate four-wheel-drivers to come and see how the best of the best have done up their cars,” says Mr Casey.
Dave Casey’s racing career started in 2009 with a couple of mates, and has since grown into a high-profile brand with thousands of social media fans following his races throughout Australia.
Dave is racing the V8 Super Ute series this year, running parallel with the V8 Supercars championship. His brand-new Super Ute will be on display at Rockynats, alongside his Suzuki Sierra, which he has been custom-building for seven months in the lead-up to this year’s Rockynats.
Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams says the increased size and anticipation for the SWL 4x4 Zone is just one more thing to love about Rockynats.
“Dave Casey is passionate about his industry and fantastic at what he does. We are lucky to have his level of talent and experience in Rockhampton. The 4x4 Zone adds another strong attraction to an already great Rockynats program,” says Mr Williams.
Another feature of the 4x4 precinct is free mullet cuts with local barber Miguel Krzywdzinski from Groom Barbershop. Leading up to the Mulletfest competition finals on Saturday and Sunday, Miguel will offer free ‘business at the front, party at the back’ mullets to support the important cause. Mulletfest event raises money and awareness for the Mark Hughes Foundation, providing research and care for those diagnosed with brain cancer. Registrations for Mulletfest are now open via the official website, www.mulletfest.com.au.
Mr Krzywdzinski says he is no stranger to the hairstyle and looks forward to offering pre-comp trims or first-time mullets.
“Mullets are an Aussie icon, just like the 4WD or classic car. They’ve been really popular with clients for about three years now. Those wanting a mullet have to be confident in the look, but it’s a great icebreaker if you own it. In the end, the mullet wears you - you don’t wear the mullet!” says Mr Krzywdzinski.
To make sure you catch all the action at the 4X4 precinct, grab your Rockynats ticket at www.rockynats.com.au/GetTickets. Platinum tickets for Rockynats are already completely sold out, but Gold and General Admission tickets are still available. Tickets start at $35 with an option for one, two or three-day passes, with family, concession, and youth tickets also available. To access the Rockynats program, download the official Rockynats app. Search for ‘Rockhampton Events’ in your app store or download for Android or IOS at: http://www.rockhampton.eventapp.com.au/.