Not since the Penrith Working Truck Shows over 20 years ago has anything been held on the scale of the inaugural Sydney TruckFest 2024.
The inaugural Sydney TruckFest took place between 3 and 5 May at the Hawkesberry Showgrounds in Clarendon NSW, a location familiar to those who have attended the popular Clarendon Kenworth Klassic. The brainchild of Brendon Ryan and Bruce Gunter, the creator of the Klassic, the event had the same well-organised, relaxed atmosphere and professional approach Klassic attendees have come to expect.
While Sydney is well entrenched on the truck show circuit with the Klassic, Bruce and Brendon said Sydney had had a drought concerning an all-makes and trade/truck show. Trade stands and attractions showcasing new vehicles, trailer manufacturers and associated transport services ran in conjunction with truck displays, including a show ‘n’ shine competition, which attracted a high class of entrants.
Classic truck rides were a big hit with showgoers. The shrill sounds of two-stroke Detroits soon drew a long queue to enjoy a 15-minute ride around the area in some true trucking history. Trade stands, including Drake Collectables and Iconic Replicas, drew eager buyers.
A major drawcard of the TruckFest on the classic truck side was the Back to the Woolsheds display.
While the event was created to showcase everything new to the transport industry, the organisers – also being avid historians – chose the Hawkesberry Showgrounds for the Yennora Woolsheds, transforming the venue into a classic-truck time capsule that showcased some of the best examples of Australian classic trucks available.
The weather forecast leading up to the show was patchy, with the show days forecast for heavy rain throughout the wider area, anywhere between 20mm and 40mm of rain to over 100mm daily was possible.
Mid-week, before show organisers decided to run with the event, and while rain and overcast skies did dominate, the sun also appeared.
The spectators and public didn’t seem perturbed, with more than 4700 attendees, while some 70 trucks battled it out for show ‘n’ shine honours.
Bruce, Brendon and helpers breathed a sigh of relief on Sunday evening, with the success of the event locking the Sydney TruckFest in every second year opposite the Brisbane Transport Expo. Feedback from the public and truckies was a resounding thumbs-up. We’ve already pencilled in the dates for the venue and are aiming for March 2026.
The Back to the Woolsheds classic truck display drew some of Australia’s finest old-timers, both in vehicles on display and owners and past owners and drivers.
