Start your engines – Rockynats 03 roars to life
Published on 07 April 2023
The excitement that’s been building all year roared to life with the opening events of Rare Spares Rockynats 03 on Friday 7 April. Early showers did nothing to dampen enthusiasm, and over 7,000 people came through the gates of the Autobarn Showgrounds Precinct over the course of the day.
Motorsport enthusiasts were out in force, keen to make the most of a packed program of family-friendly events and to get amongst the immaculate displays of the best of the best in all things automotive.
Friday’s big event, the CANNA Street Parade, went above and beyond expectations. A record-breaking 1,300 vehicles roared, rumbled and revved around the parade route across Rockhampton’s CBD, lined shoulder to shoulder by appreciative fans and families enjoying the spectacle. Showing off their pride and joy, the drivers soaked up the afternoon’s festive atmosphere and the admiration of the onlookers.
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams was proud to see the event kick off in style – the culmination of the year’s hard work and planning.
“It was a real delight to see the community and visitors mingling at the various events and displays throughout the Showgrounds precinct today, then taking up nearly every space along the Street Parade route to enjoy a great family event.”
Summernats co-owner Andy Lopez was clearly excited to be back in Rockhampton and remarked on the excited buzz amongst the attendees.
“My team look forward to this event all year and it’s such a reward for all the hard work when we see so many smiling entrants and thousands of spectators lining the streets to get a taste of what’s to come in the next couple of days. The CANNA Street Parade at Rockynats dwarfs the Summernats version and it’s something this event can be really proud of. Rockynats is amazing!”
For the first time, the RockabillyNats Pinup competition finals were held just before the Street Parade, so that the winners could catch a sweet ride through the streets to show the crowds their iconic rockabilly style. From the eight 2023 finalists, this year’s crown went to Honey B Monroe, with Miss Janey Rose a runner-up.
The Rev’s Paint Supplies Elite Unveil Show this evening revealed six never-before-seen cars and one bike, to an appreciative crowd. Rockynats Chief Steward Owen Webb praised the efforts of owners on the calibre of their vehicles.
“All the cars in this year’s Elite Show are showstoppers in their own right, with incredible engineering and custom features that you wouldn’t see anywhere else. We’re fortunate to have such a high standard in this year’s show, with cars travelling from as far as Cairns, Darwin, Longreach and Nowra to compete.”
Pro Wrestling displays also began today and will be hitting the stage (literally) regularly in the Trade Hall over the rest of the weekend, hosted by Wrestling Allegiance Rockhampton. Expect to see local and visiting wrestlers bringing a fun blend of sports and theatrical antics.
And as the sun went down on the first day of Rockynats 03, the party continued with live music from Dave Dow, Kapricorn and PistonFist at one end of the Showgrounds and the first Rockynats Drive-in Movie experience in the centre ring.
Rockynats 03 continues on Saturday and Sunday, with a full list of competition winners published at the conclusion of the weekend.