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Geelong Camp Quality Convoy a huge success

Geelong Camp Quality Convoy’s truck numbers jumped significantly for its 2016 event

 

Last year, the inaugural Geelong Camp Quality Convoy, attracted 197 entrants. This year’s event, held on February 14, blew that figure away with 372 trucks registered to take part.

Lee Emberton, state manager for Camp Quality Tasmania and Victoria, was thrilled with the result. It also reaffirmed the decision to base the convoy in Geelong.

As with last year’s event, the trucks arrived early at Avalon Airport in preparation for the 36km trip to Geelong Showgrounds.

Normally a 30 minute drive, the larger number of trucks meant that the tail end of the convoy arrived at its destination around two hours after the lead truck. Also, in a repeat of last year, Riordan Grain Services outbid the opposition to again take the lead truck position.

Riordan’s transport manager Joe Strawford, driving a Kenworth T409 SAR, thanked supporters, including industry sponsors and suppliers for donating much needed funds for Camp Quality.

Riordan’s had 17 trucks in the convoy, all Kenworths. Brian Buttigieg, also from Riordan’s, had his son Blair alongside him in a T609.

Riordan’s subcontractor Nickel Trading had three trucks in the fleet, including a T909 driven by Ramsey James Whelan.

Ramsey, however, was just as keen as cleaning the windscreens of his fellow drivers’ trucks, and those of a few other mates nearby, including Muscles Grey from Tocumwal.

Among the highlights of the convoy was the appearance of the NGH Express Peterbilt, and Dave Larsen’s W model Kenworth.

Ross Transport’s well-travelled Mack ‘Devil Dog’ Super-Liner was another eye-catcher.

Lee Emberton is hoping for a smoother run from Avalon Airport to the Geelong Showgrounds next year, with more green traffic lights.

“We saw some breakups in the pack with the traffic lights, so we’re going to petition really hard and we’ll ask to make sure we get green lights and try to keep ourselves as a tight knit group,” Lee says.

For more on the 2016 Geelong Camp Quality Convoy, see Owner//Driver’s March edition.

 

Photography: Greg Bush

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