Drivin' the old Hume

[kscarbel2]

Big Rigs  /  May 24, 2017

This year the Sydney to Yass journey, which takes place every two years had over 308 historic commercial trucks participate in the charity event.

Organiser Bruce Gunter said the event which started as just a pipedream has grown in the past few years.

"It all started 2010, when I was talking with my dad who was an interstate driver,” Mr Gunter said.

"He spoke about the old Hume, I ended up talking to a few blokes who could be keen on it we decided to advertise to see if anyone wanted to join; we ended up with 143 trucks on it.

"We did it by the skin of our teeth, winged it and in the end the event raised far more money than we ever expected,” he said.

"There are beautiful bits of gear on the road, and it's getting bigger and bigger,” he said.

"It's a nice shot in the arm too and a way of commemorating the history of the transport industry.

"And yeah dad thinks it's awesome,” he laughed.

At his 4th event Bruce believes the team has got the event running like a well old machine.

Along with having a great time the group also managed to raise $40000 to assist with Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT), a charity close to Bruce's heart. The money will help buy iPads for the schools to help these children learn through colours and pictures. The town of Yass also received $5000 to help build a playground for children with disabilities.

Award Winners

The Bob Speechley Heritage Preservation Award, was awarded to Bob Taylor for his International and single axle McGrath. which was purchased by his father in May 1972.

The unrestored original, powered by a 160hp Cummins was the first truck that Brian drove, and the first vehicle he used during his first interstate run.

John Ross won the 'Chris Pezzutti Memorial Award' for Best Working Kenworth.

John's 86 W Model Kenworth has been rebuilt by him, with Airglide Suspension and a Signature engine.

The inaugural award commemorates Chris who passed away suddenly just over a year ago at 49 years of age.

Biggest Tear Arse award was won by Brian Smith for ringing the neck of his 1922 TT Ford truck. all the way from Sydney to Yass.

The Tony Colombrita Noisiest Truck Award was also given out this year in memory of Tony who passed away 18 months before the Haul.

A huge supporter of the historic truck movement Tony's White 9000 has lived on through his daughter Toni Hurley who took part in the run.

Photo gallery - https://www.bigrigs.com.au/photos/photo-gallery-24-05-2017-0709/52357/#/0