Dyno, Drags and Dedication with Daniel and Kaylene di Bella
Published on 23 March 2026
For husband-and-wife duo, Daniel and Kaylene di Bella, cars aren’t just a hobby, they’re a shared language. A way of life that’s woven through weekends, family routines and, for the past five years, an annual 830km pilgrimage south from Ingham in Far North Queensland to Rare Spares and Recpo Rockynats.
They’ve entered Rockynats every year, without fail, since the beginning. Dyno competitions, street drags, street parades – no matter the event or opportunity, Daniel and Kaylene are keen to get to behind it.
“It’s just what we do,” Daniel says simply without hesitation. “We love the event, we love what it brings to the town, and we love being part of it.”
Daniel’s silver 1974 Ford Falcon Sedan has become a familiar sight in the Dyno shed over the years and after consistently placing in the Top 3 several years in a row, Rockynats 05 proved to be finally his year. He proudly took out the Dyno Champion title along with Torque Titan title for highest torque; wins that came not from chasing the biggest numbers, but from reliability, consistency and a car that worked hard all weekend. That consistency doesn’t come easily as Daniel doesn’t exactly wrap the car in bubble wrap or reserve its power solely for the draw of the Dyno.
“I do the street drags, the street parade – the car is running red hot right across the weekend and then I still have to back it up in the Dyno. Even just the street parade is hard on the transmission because of the heat and the length of time that the engine is running for. You’ve got to have something that can do the hard yards.”
Some years, despite the effort, things just don’t line up.
“Some years it’s just not your year,” he admits plainly, reflecting on the tough love the Dyno has dealt him over the years. “But last year it all finally came together. The car was dialled in, it was reliable and we pulled through with the win.”
For Daniel, the Dyno’s biggest appeal is the element of surprise. His Falcon runs a modest 5-litre engine compared to much of the competition, but the reaction from the crowd never gets old.
“I love when people see the car and then don’t expect the power that comes out of it,” he says. “It makes all the right sounds and creates a buzz in the room – and that gives me a buzz too.”
It’s also a car that proudly lives outside the shed and a firm part of their daily life and routine back in Ingham.
“It’s well known around town as it gets a lot of use – local cruise nights, picking the kids up from school, driving around town, school formals and graduations. I think people respect that it’s a car that gets used rather than being something that’s only rolled out for competitions.”
His wife Kaylene is just as much part of the action. Her own VK Holden might not be the fastest or flashiest in the field, running on a modest $4,000 engine, but for her, the thrill is in the driving and showing other ladies what’s possible.
“It’s about getting out there and having a go,” she says. “Letting my driving do the talking and having fun.”
At Rockynats 05 last year, she lay a solid 7.8 down Quay Street in the drags, and achieved her goal of a 10 second quarter pass at Northern Nats later in the year; proof that motorsport is more about quietly achieving your own goals rather than perfection or winning major trophies.
“She drove it 100%,” Daniel says proudly. “She gets mad respect for that.”
Though Kaylene doesn’t consider herself as a ‘role model’ she admits that being visible matters when it comes to encouraging more women to get involved in racing and the car scene as a whole.
“Other girls see me out there, which is great,” she says. “I like showing that you don’t have to have the biggest budget, the wildest setup or tonnes of experience – you just have to get out there, give it a crack and enjoy it. That’s what it’s all about.”
This year, for the first time since Rockynats began, the duo unfortunately won’t be making the pilgrimage to Rockhampton as entrants with both of their cars currently sidelined, undergoing maintenance and revamps after separate issues at recent competitions. It’s disappointing but it hasn’t dampened their love or passion for the event.
“We’re still keen to come as spectators if we can,” Kaylene says. “It’s an event we’ve grown to love so really don’t want to miss out.”
“Rockynats is just so well run,” Daniel adds. “You can’t beat the variety of the events or the cars and that’s what makes the event stand out for us. Even without all the cars you’ve got great entertainment, great food, nightlife – there’s something for everyone.”
“For kids too! Our little one loved the race simulators,” Kaylene recalls. “We could literally drop him off in the morning and come back at 5pm and he’d still be there.”
What truly sets Rockynats apart though, is the people and the sense of community that the event creates.
“The whole town comes together for it,” Daniel says. “Especially the local workshops and car businesses. They get right behind the entrants.”
He recalls breaking a part during one event.
“I went to a local fella and he welded it up and straightened it for nothing. Tyres, fabrication, whatever you need, people are just keen to help.”
For the di Bella’s, Rockynats isn’t just about dyno trophies, horsepower or PB drag passes. It’s about shared passion and being part of a community that feels bigger than the cars themselves. Which is exactly why, even from the grandstands, Rockynats 06 will still feel like home.
For those wanting to join Daniel and Kaylene in the stands, and experience the unique community atmosphere of Rockynats 06, tickets can be purchased online at: https://www.rockynats.com.au/Tickets