Truckin' treats on show at Truckfest
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Commercial Motor Truckfest lived up to its name over the Bank Holiday weekend with another mind-boggling array of working wagons, stunt trucks and custom cuties. • The transport industry's premier event hit Peterborough over the Bank Holiday weekend. Tens of thousands of trucking fans flocked to Commercial Motor Truckfest to meet the celebrities, sample the sideshows and see some of Britain's finest commercial vehicles.
The glorious sunshine of 1990 was lacking — but not the sensational support from road haulage professionals and enthusiasts.
Truckfest favourite Maria Whittaker signed thousands of autographs on the Commercial Motor stand during the two-day
event, and impressionist Bobby Davro definitely put a smile on many faces as he met the crowds at the Renault stand.
Other famous faces at the East of England Showground included sporting celebrity Emlyn Hughes; housewive's favourite Philip Schofield; Radio l's Dave Lee Travis; 'Diddy' David Hamilton, who gave a live radio performance, and Guy Pearce — better known as Mike Young from Aussie Soap Neighbours.
The crowd was also treated to some awesome sights in the main arena. Steve Murty's firebreathing wheelie truck High Performer thrilled the spectators with its stunts, but even that couldn't put Ronnie Ricardo in the shade: he demonstrated his Kenv;orth Heatwave which is good for a cool 322km/h (200mph).
A welcome newcomer at Truckfest was The Rocket wheelie stunt vehicle driven by 14-year-old Chris Hale. It only just made it to Truckfest: most insurance companies refused to insure this amazing vehicle. Luckily Lloyds of London agreed to provide cover.
Once again The Big Swede crunched its way through
several cars, while its driver kept his fingers crossed that he did not burst any tyres in the process: they do cost £4,000 apiece.
This year also saw the arrival of 4x4 trucks at Truckfest. One of the highlights was undoubtedly the Haggis Hunter which was brought over from the USA. The international theme continued with two visitors from Sweden: Biondi, a customised red gull-winged Scania, and Johnny, a bonnetted Scania.
There were also representatives from Switzerland and the Netherlands — proof of the
huge standing that Truckfest has throughout Europe.
And, of course, there were the working trucks that are the heart and soul of Truckfest. Every vehicle proudly displayed spotless paintwork and gleaming chrome, belying the arduous jobs they do every day of the year. Regulars such as the Ponsonby fleet and last year's Best Working Truck champion Barry Jackson once again made their way to Peterborough to take on a host of newcomers.
After all, when it comes down to it that's what Commercial Motor Truckfest is all about. ■