From racy trucks to racing trucks

Held on 8 December 2019, the Turners Truck & Machinery Show was the last industry show of the year – and boy did we go out with a bang!

There were numerous highlights at the 2019 Turners Truck & Machinery Show, undoubtedly spearheaded by the presence of Robbie Shefford as show MC and special guests Sludge and Yogi from Outback Truckers (thanks to EasyMoves Ltd for helping to bring them out). The trucking celebrities were a huge hit with visitors and exhibitors alike – with handshakes, hugs and camera phones flashing away throughout the day. Another special appearance was made by Josh Hart, with the Western Star Pink Truck he‘s created to make a statement against bullying. He was happy to talk to people and share his own story of being bullied. A new layout saw most activities taking place on the outside of the track at Pukekohe Park Raceway south of Auckland, leaving the track itself open for hot laps with the NZ Super Trucks and truck rides with some of the show participants.

With burnouts and high-boost blasts round the track by Dave West and Steve Walling in their Freightliner and Mack racing trucks, some of the grown-up members of the crowd were lucky enough to get their adrenalin pumping with these legends. The kids were also given the opportunity to jump in the cabs of numerous trucks and go for rides around the track throughout the day. Proceeds from donations given went to the Pukekohe Volunteer Fire Brigade. For those wanting to show off their skills as well as their trucks, the organisers held a truck reversing competition (sponsored by TR Group), a wheel changing competition (thanks to Tartan Tyres), and an excavator competition (sponsored by Mimico). Karen Black, promoter/event manager of the Turners Truck & Machinery Show, says that the new layout worked well, keeping everything more accessible. “Feedback from the exhibitors has been positive.” In all, 168 trucks and utes attended the show (mainly trucks, of course), which represented another good turnout from exhibitors and visitors alike.

Photo: One menacing International T-Line!

Photo: Mainfreight was well represented; Heera Transport‘s Freightliner Coronado among the most imposing – and shiny – on display!

Photo: Some of the many clean classic examples from days gone by.

Photo: Terence Howard & Sons Ltd was a deserving winner of Best Fleet.

Photo: There was an abundant mix of classic and modern.

Photo: Brodie Murray‘s J Swap Kenworth T900 was voted ‘Best Visual Impact‘.

Photo: N & J Wood Earthworks fleet.

Photo: The team from HydroVac taking to the track.

Photo: Spot the former Top Truck.

Photo: Trucks and machinery – what the show was all about.

Photo: Great to see more of the Hyundai Xcient.

SHOW RESULTS

Mimico Excavator Competition
1st Murray Nash – Murray Nash Excavations
2nd Daniel Smith – DK Smith Excavations
3rd Michael White – Michael White Contracting

TR Group Truck Reversing Competition
1st Dean Wallbank
2nd Hayden Poutai
3rd Edward Watford

Tartan Tyres Wheel Changing Competition
1st Dean Wallbank
2nd Edward Watford
3rd Jodie Leitch

UDC Show & Shine
Best Fleet (sponsored by MARSH)
Terence Howard & Sons Ltd

People‘s Choice
(sponsored by Gough Transport Wholesale)
Hart Haulage – Josh Hart, Western Star

Overall Best Presented New Truck (or truck and trailer)
(sponsored by Cobra Cote)
Northchill – Neil Powell, Kenworth

Best Visual Impact (sponsored by Homesafe)
J Swap Contractors – Brodie Murray, Kenworth

Best Classic (sponsored by Multispares)
LW Bonney – Mike Vesley, Kenworth

Best Tractor Unit (no trailer attached)
(sponsored by Truckers Pride)
Northchill – Neil Powell, Kenworth

Best Curtainsider/Flat-Deck
(sponsored by Tauranga Canvas)
Waharoa Transport – Dylan Clothier, DAF

Best Hiab/Crane/Sideloader (sponsored by Cognet Ltd)
RPC Logistics – Jodie Leitch, Hino

Best Tipper
(sponsored by Transport & General Engineering Ltd)
Rudsits Transport – Josh Rudsits, Scania

Best Livestock & Logger
(sponsored by Motor Truck Distributors Ltd)
Kane Holdings Ltd – Les Comer, Mercedes-Benz

Best Heavy Haulage/Tow
(sponsored by Motor Truck Distributors)
Tranzcarr – Hayden Poutai, Kenworth

Best Specialised/Miscellaneous (machinery, tankers, etc)
(sponsored by Multispares)
HydroVac – Gabriel, Volvo

Best Company Ute/Pickup/SUV
(sponsored by Fortune Manning Lawyers Ltd)
EasyMoves