Record Breaking Truck Show

The trophies were won on the day but the work started months before

When walking around a truck show it’s easy to see the polished paintwork, the chrome and the trophies handed out at the end of the weekend.

What often goes unnoticed are the months of planning, the early starts, the last-minute phone calls or the people working behind the scenes to make it all happen.

For our Truck Show team, success doesn’t begin on the showground. It begins long before the first season weekend.

Planning for the season starts as early as December. From deciding which shows to attend to organising vehicle maintenance, transport, hospitality equipment and merchandise, there’s a huge amount of work that goes into a weekend that, on the surface, looks effortless.

This year brought an extra challenge.

Our iconic Morris had been away for extensive paintwork and engine servicing, while the low-loader trailer used to transport both the Morris and the Multicar underwent a complete refurbishment. Both returned to site just days before TruckFest South.

There wasn’t much room for error. Fortunately, there didn’t need to be.

While our show vehicles are looked after all year round, the final preparations are a team effort. Chris Pollock, Andy Way and James Hay spend the days leading up to each event checking equipment, preparing the display, testing lighting, organising hospitality and making sure every vehicle is ready to represent Howard Tenens.

TruckFest South welcomed around 400 vehicles, each competing to be recognised amongst some of the best-presented trucks in the country.

Before judging starts, every one of our five vehicles is cleaned and prepared. The Morris and Multicar take priority before the team moves methodically through the rest of the fleet, all while welcoming visitors, catching up with familiar faces and sharing the stories behind the vehicles.

Even unexpected setbacks couldn’t dampen the weekend. Strong winds destroyed the team’s event shelter, forcing a quick rethink. One call back to the transport office later and a replacement trailer was on its way.

When the awards ceremony arrived on Sunday afternoon, the team were delighted to find out they had achieved the following results:

• First Place – Morris (Vintage Category)
• First Place – Multicar (Classic Category)
• Highly Commended – T6 NEN
• Highly Commended – T5 NEN

The best results our Truck Show Team has ever achieved!

For Andy Way, there was another reason to celebrate. After years of dedication, including attending shows on his own to represent the business, T6 NEN (Andy’s truck) received its first ever award. Of course, these awards don’t belong to just three people. They belong to everyone who has supported.

As Chris Pollock commented:

“I am immensely proud to be a part of such an amazing team and honoured to be given the opportunity to represent the business.”

We are proud to showcase the trucks that preserve our heritage while sharing our passion with thousands of visitors and proudly showcasing Howard Tenens.

Here’s to the rest of the show season!