Street Drags

Set on the bank of the Fitzroy River and backed by Queensland’s longest strip of National Trust buildings is the thrilling Rockynats Street Drags.

Rockhampton’s Quay Street comes alive as Australia’s fastest street-driven drag cars and bikes roar down the nation’s first street-built 1/8th mile drag strip. You may have to beat the crowds for a prime seat, as the speed and calibre of these drag racers is a crowd-pulling, show-stopping event.

Sponsored by Garrett Motion, the Rockynats Street Drags happen over all three jam-packed days. Spectators can watch drivers belt down the strip from the designated view areas along Quay Street in the CBD precinct.

With its unique no-fuss format, the Rockynats Street Drags allows for more cars and more racing than most conventional drag races. In past years, over 400 vehicles were involved accumulating over 1150 passes. Combined with its stunning location and unique street-built drag, the racers come from far and wide to participate in this challenging race.

What is Drag Racing?

The Rockynats Street Drag involves two vehicles racing side by side on a straight one-eighth-mile track. The aim is to be the fastest car in the race.

The race is started by a large light pole called a Christmas Tree. As each car rolls up to the staging area, its front tyres will pass by an infrared trigger to tell the Christmas Tree to begin the race sequence. Once both cars are staged, you’ll see the lights on the tree move down through three amber lights. On the final green light, drivers can hit the gas and try and outmatch their opponent.

What is the difference between Street Class and Pro Category drags?

As entrants sign their car up to Rockynats, they’re asked to estimate how fast their car can do the 1/8th mile.

QUALIFYING

A great day out on Saturday offering entrants a chance to have some fun and also qualifying for the finalists to compete on Sunday. 

FINALS

On Sunday morning, entrants who qualified on Saturday will be invited to compete against each other in the below format. 

Every second matters!

How is drag racing judged?

Drag racing is all about speed. The car that moves from the starting line to the finishing line in the shortest amount of time will be the winner of that race. Their time on day one or two is also critical to qualify for finals held on Sunday.

The Rockynats street drags are run under ANDRA (Australian National Drag Racing Association) sanction.

Spectator Tips

As the fastest competition at Rockynats with one of the highest numbers of entrants, this is a part of Rockynats you do not want to miss.

Here are some quick tips for getting the most out of your time at the Street Drags.

• Arrive long before your family or friend competes. If you are there to watch someone specific, we encourage you to come ahead of time to get a good spot, as the viewing areas can get busy, and the race will be over in a matter of seconds.
• Consider a Platinum Rockynats ticket. This will give you exclusive access to grandstand seating with the best view of the strip. As multi-day passes, Platinum will give you the chance to watch the heats and finals of the Street Drags. It will also give you the time to check out other adrenaline-pumping events like the Show N' Shine, Burnouts, Drifting, 4x4 Zone, Bike Precinct and more.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen and water. Some of the viewing locations are shaded, but some are not. Be prepared for the heat so that you can make the most of your time at the Street Drags, Sponsored by Garrett Motion
• Bring hearing protection for children (or adults). The Street Drags is a loud event. Having hearing protection for kids will give you peace of mind if you choose to stay for a while.
• Plan your day in advance. The Street Drags will be happening throughout the three days and are located conveniently in the CBD. Use the Rockynats App to plan your visit to the Street Drags while also catching the off-track entertainment and competitions happening nearby.

Past Rockynats Street Drags events