With just over a week to go, the revs are building as Rare Spares Rockynats is about to return for its fifth instalment from April 4-6, solidifying its status as Queensland's biggest car and bike festival.
Having exceeded the entrant numbers from Rockynats 04 the event is on track to welcome 1,800 car and bike entrants to Rockynats 05, including the legendary burnout car 'Hanful' – a symbol of Australia's car culture.
The event has grown in size, and excitement each year, and Rockhampton Region Mayor, Tony Williams, confirms that 2025 will be no exception with entrants traveling from as far as Western Australia to be part of this spectacular event.
"Over the past 4 years, Rockynats has become a staple for thousands of entrants and patrons alike, having firmly established itself as a must-attend event on Australia's motorsport calendar," Mayor Williams states. "It's a huge coup for our city and every year, we see more drawcard entrants coming back to experience the thrill, the atmosphere and the action."
"Rockynats 05 will also be the first time that the event won't be held over the Easter long weekend, meaning visitors will have even more opportunities to enjoy everything the region has to offer, including our local cafes, restaurants, and retailers, while soaking up the unique Rockynats atmosphere."
One competitor who has been part of the Rockynats journey from the outset is Mark Schwarz, driver and owner of crowd-favourite burnout car, 'Hanful'. Alongside his wife Julie, Mark has attended every Rockynats since the event's inception in 2021, bringing plenty of skids, thrills and high-octane entertainment to the streets of Rockhampton.
Cars having been a lifelong passion for Mark that began in his late teenage years when the origins of burnouts and high-speed track driving as sports were still in their infancy.
"Back when my friends and I first got into it all in the 90s, burnouts were just beginning a sport—it wasn't anything like it is today," Mark reflects.
Since then, his passion for motorsport has grown into more than just a hobby, with his involvement now extending to other members of the Schwarz family. Mark himself has been active in the show and burnout scene for over 30 years, while his wife Julie manages all the logistics behind Hanful Motorsports and their son Jacob has followed in his footsteps to become a burnout and exhibition driver in his own right.
While his 1973 Holden HQ GTS Monaro 'Hanful' is best known for its spectacular burnouts, Mark's passion for high-speed track driving has seen the car make appearances at some of Australia's most prestigious 'Hanful' events. Having owned the vehicle for over 20 years, he originally purchased 'Hanful' as a wreck, with the simple goal of restoring it as a burnout car. However, the four-year build quickly escalated into a show-quality masterpiece, leading Mark to initially tour on the show scene, before transitioning to on-track event entertainment and eventually, burnout competitions.
With 'Hanful' having made appearances at everything from MotorEx's 10th Anniversary event and on-track entertainment at the V8 Supercars Gold Coast 500 to Summernats and the Burnout Masters, Mark says that it's the unique, family-friendly atmosphere of Rockynats that keeps his Gold Coast-based family continually coming back for more.
"When we first heard about Rockynats, we jumped at the opportunity. Being a Queensland-based event, it was so close to home that it wasn't even a question, and it was an experience like no other," Mark explains.
Each year, their crew books out an entire 22-room hotel together with their fellow die-hard Rockynats friends, making the Rockhampton event a full-fledged annual tradition.
"It just makes the weekend so much more fun and convenient and has become something we look forward to doing each year," he adds. "We love how close everything is, visiting all of the different precincts and heading out for a meal at one of the local pubs at the end of the day."
2025 will be extra special for the Hanful Motorsports crew, as they add a host of exciting new additions to their Rockynats program, including the honour of leading Friday's Street Parade as a proud sponsor of Rare Spares. In a Rockynats first, Mark and Jacob will also feature in the daily FMX Kaos stunt show, with stunt bikes jumping over 'Hanful' in a high-adrenaline crossover performance at the FMX Kaos Showgrounds Precinct. The pair will also be tearing up the burnout pad and Skid Row throughout the weekend, delivering the high-powered action Rockynats fans have come to love.
"I love revving the crowd up and seeing the kick they get out of 'Hanful' on the track," Mark says excitedly. "We like to give it our best crack!"
For those still on the fence about attending Rockynats, Mark has one piece of advice:
"Just trust us when we say it's an event you just have experience it for yourself. It sets itself apart from other car festivals in that it's so family-friendly, with a massive amount of entertainment both on and off the track, and its unique city and river backdrop. Walking down Quay Street, surrounded by incredible cars in immaculate condition—it's truly something special."
With Rare Spares Rockynats 05 set to deliver its biggest and best year yet, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets now to ensure they don't miss out on any of the action. Tickets are still available for purchase online via the Rockynats website at a discounted rate:https://www.rockynats.com.au/Tickets
For those who have already purchased a ticket, you can start planning out your ultimate Rockynats weekend by downloading the Rockhampton Events App from the Google Play or App Store for easy access to all program information and live program updates.
