The Wellsford Lions roared and the clouds rolled away and a fantastic day ensued. Fantastic for trucking, attendees, and the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust.

Photo: Aysha Logging took out the fleet prize at Wellsford this year.

The weather had its part to play in this year‘s Wellsford Lion‘s Roaring Truck Show. After weeks without rain and near-drought conditions, organisers had every reason to expect ideal conditions for the outdoor event. They got it, but only after a worrying period of unrelenting rain put a dampener on expectations. That may have accounted for truck and crowd numbers being slightly down on the previous shows. But for those who did turn up – drivers, owners and those for whom truck shows are an irresistible attraction – quantity was more than exceeded by quality.

As is usual for the Wellsford show, most of the trucks were from Northland, but a fair few made the journey north from Auckland. There was also this year for the first time a smattering of classic trucks and tractors and a display of earthmoving machinery from CablePrice.

What was striking was the diversity on display. There were 62 units in total and the range of vehicles and applications made judging difficult. The common element, as noted by the judges, was that standards were high, particularly as all trucks entered were working trucks and some showed the rigours of the road. The People‘s Choice award went to Kyle Middleton for his 2018 Kenworth, and the coveted Truck of the Show award went to Dean Carter for his 2019 Kenworth K200.

The show was organised as a charity event by the Wellsford Lions Club and raised $9000 for the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust.

Photo: Dean Carter and his immaculate Kenworth K200 won Truck of the Show.

Photo: Kyle Middleton took away People‘s Choice.

Photo: Industry stalwarts Neil and Carol Shayler supported the show with another immaculate entry.

Photo: Big Daddy and bigger Daddy. Reed Enterprises had some real heavy hitters at the show.

Photo: Greenwood Ground Spread took away the Best European prize for their Scania P440.

Photo: Wayne Croft Transport took away Best Kenworth.

Photo: John Pen, the proud owner of the Ford Thames that took out the Classic award.

RESULTS Wellsford Lion‘s Roaring Truck Show 2019
People‘s Choice, Kenworth K200, Wyatt Haulage, Kyle Middleton
Truck of the Show, Kenworth K200, DN Carter Ltd, Dean
Best American, Kenworth T659, AZTEC, Shawn Segetin
Best European, ScaniaP440, Greenwood Groundspread, Dave
Best Japanese, Hino, The Produce Connection, Rob
Tipper, Volvo FH16, Fulton Hogan, Paul Lucich
Stock Logger, Kenworth T659, AZTEC, Shawn Segetin
Crane/Flat-deck, Scania, Auckland Cranes, Steve Taylor
Tractor, Kenworth, Hamblyn Cartage, Gareth

Best under 3 Yrs, Volvo FH16, Fulton Hogan, Paul Lucich
Classic, Ford Thames, John Pen
Best Fleet, Aysha Logging
Best Kenworth, Kenworth K100E, Wayne Croft Transport, Phill
Best DAF, CF 85, Wharehine Contractors, Andy Chapman