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Katherine Weir previews Truckfest 85 — a family weekend at Easter for everyone in road transport. It's attracting increased support
EIGHTY thousand attended last year's Truckfest, one of the biggest events of its kind held in Europe. And Truckfest 85, which is being presented by CM and Live Promotions of Peterborough at Easter, is showing signs that it will be an even bigger success.
Many of last year's exhibitors have increased their space, and new exhibitors include Perkins Engines, Landon Truck Equipment, Ratcliff Tail Lifts and the Toleman Group. MAN/VW and Renault will also be there.
Truckfest is not a racing event — it is a festival with a wide range of attractions for all the family and is supported by big names in the business.
The Best Kept Working Truck competition sponsored by CM and worth £850 in prize money is open to all types and sizes of fleets.
Shell is offering a £500 first prize plus the Shell Supertruck Challenge trophy and Shell Goldtrucker's jacket, for the Best Super Truck with entries from both home and overseas operators. There will be a driving competition sponsored by Sea link British Ferries. The winner will get the Sealink trophy plus a free crossChannel trip, for a car and four passengers, worth around £100. A good start to the summer holiday.
Leyland's T45 team is organising the Roadrunner driving competition. The contest must be conducted with all wheels in contact with the road surface.
As cabs play a major part in any driver's life, Lucas Service (UK) will be looking for the best kept cab. First prize is £400 of Radiomobile equipment and Halogen spot/amps for the runner-up.
There is a £500 and trophy first prize for the Eminox Custom Truck of the Year with cash prizes and trophies for the runners-up.
Ford is supplying the vehicles for the other events and Truckcare, the parts supplier, is sponsoring the competitors' marquee.
There is also a chance to meet famous names Geoff Capes and Jim Bowen.
Geoff will be featured in a World Truck Pulling competition sponsored by Mercedes-Benz.
Jim Bowen brings the TV programme Bullseye to millions of viewers during the year. To use his own phrase, "He's a smashing lad". as he is on the box.
Jim will be in attendance in the Shell Diesel Drivers Club marquee. The club signed 1,000 new members at last year's Truckfest bringing its national membership to 35,000.
A character who has travelled the world as a pioneer of owner-driver activities is Denmark's Mr President. He will be leading the grand parade in his Mack Superliner 494 "Trans Europe" on which the spray job alone cost £25,000 with £20,000 spent on chrome and stainless steel.
Bandag, the retread tyre company, sponsors Mr President and is also sponsoring the Best British Fleet competition.
The Oaf 10 tonne truck, known as The Bull, which won the Paris to Dakar rally in January will be taking part in the grand parade as will Scania's "Dutch Supertruck".
Oaf has also arranged for Barry Sheene to drop in (literally) on the festivities. He will arrive in his own helicopter.
Truckfest takes place at the East of England Showground at Peterborough on Easter Sunday and Monday, April 7 and 8. Admission is £3 for adults, accompanied children and senior citizens pay 50 pence. There is also a caravan site.
For details of how to enter the various events readers should contact Colin Ward, Truckfest, Live Promotions, The Millstone, St Thomas Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire, or phone him on (0775) 68667.