Rockynats: Car Enthusiasts Defy Fuel Crunch

0:00Thousands of car levers from across Australia are converging on Rockhampton and Central Queensland for Rocky Nets, the biggest car and bike festival in. Despite the nationwide fuel crunch, folks aren't letting high prices stop their road trip. The three-day bash kicked off Friday with a massive street parade through the city center, packing in street drags, burnouts, and show cars. Now in its sixth year is drawing a record 1900 entrance and over 60,000 spectators. Earlier this week, enthusiasts started rolling in early, turning the town into a rolling museum of classic metal. Take Jason Steemson, a local fuel tanker driver, who spent eight years restoring his 1985 Holden B.K. Commodore to showroom perfection. He flew down to Victoria to snag the rusty beast, drove it home through storms, and now it's nicknamed the Brock, after his racing hero. He's even got a second project. A rat infested 1990 Holden Kalei, he plans to sell before temptation hits. Meanwhile, couples like Paul and the cold Jags made the eight-hour haul from near Brisbane.

1:05Her 1975 L.H. Tarana was rebuilt from a shell in the family shed thanks to her mechanic Dad. His 1968 Holden HK U.K. came from a dusty farm, needing full rust fixes and mods before hitting the track for some skids, if she. Approves. The events a huge economic win for Central Queensland, pumping nearly $10 million into the local scene last year with record visitors and stays. Over 600 tires got shredded on the burnout pad and 1200 drag runs lit up the streets. Mayor Tony Williams figures fuel costs won't face true fans who draw big on their rides anyway. As Rocky Nets revs through the weekend, it's clear this passion for pistons and chrome overrides any pump pain, keeping the burnout smoke thick and the vibes alive down under. From your city, powered by AI, this is Sydney News Today.