Truck Show 2002 A big hit with the fans October 2002

They came in their thousands (over 12,000 in fact) on August 31st/September 1st to the ninth running of the Irish Truck Show at Mondello Park.

Ireland’s premier motor racing circuit proved to be a most suitable venue for the vast array of vehicles on display.

Throughout the weekend, the Indian Summer weather not only enhanced the spectacle but also ensured that the static displays glowed in the sun.

The new attractions this year proved a big hit with visitors, especially the Military Display and the Moffett Mounty Fork Lift Sprint. Special thanks must go to Commandant Gerry O’Gorman for his efforts in putting the Military Display together and for providing the historic ‘Sliabh na Mban’ armoured car for the show.
The Track Action, provided by stunt bike ace Gary Rothwell, ably aided by his wife, Jill brought everyone seated in the Grandstand to their feet on numerous occasions. New acts Russ Swift and Terry Grant amazed the audience with their driving skills behind the wheels of their respective Mitsubishi Lancer EVO and the MG backed Legend race cars.

But the biggest cheer of all was kept for the Racing Trucks as the competitors from the British Racing Truck Association roared around the tight and twisty National circuit. Adding to the local interest Irish Fiat Punto - Racer and SDS Truck Driver Simon Knott, had his first ever truck race. He finished seventh in a borrowed truck without any practice and vowed to be back next year.

Taking up most of the international circuit and the paddocks area were the trucks from the Static Display Competitions. Vehicles of all shapes and sizes lined up in their shining livery in preparation for the Judge’s inspection. Heavy Haulage specialist John O’Neill returned to Brittas, County Dublin with the Penrose Crystal Top Truck 2002 Trophy. His 1998 double-drive DAF 95XF 480 with Nooteboom 16 wheel heavy plant trailer stole the show, proving the fact that you don’t have to have a new truck to win this prestigious title.

Mentioning new trucks, Limerick haulier Sean Ryan won the Best 2002 Truck with the standard 4x2 version DAF 95 XF 480, while COH Transport’s range of Mercedes and Volvo oil tankers won the Best Fleet Award. Taking the IRHA prize for the Best Commercial Vehicle was Gabriel Piggott with yet another example from the Eindhoven manufacturer. The Gort based haulier’s DAF fleet has grown from one vehicle in 1999 and currently stands at five.

Other prize winners included Pearl Transport (Cork), Scania P114 - Best Rigid over 18 tonnes; Tony Doyle Transport (Cork), Volvo FH12 - Best Combination Articulated and Wright Windows Systems (Milltown Pass), Mercedes Atego - Best Road Train. The Truck Show Special Award went to Gavin Grills (Dublin) with his Scania 113.

While all this was going on, business was brisk at the trade stands situated on the perimeter of the paddock. Noel Lynch, Sales Manager at the Harris Group (Iveco, Hino, Isuzu and Kia Distributors) was very pleased with the large number of interested parties visiting their extensive stand.

With the show reaching its 10th Anniversary next year, preparations are already underway to celebrate this milestone in style. New attractions under negotiation will bring a european flavour to the event.

In the meantime, keep your diary date free for the end of August next year for Ireland’s biggest and best commercial vehicle event - Irish Truck Show 2003!