Over 1000 rigs turn out for whopper Clarendon Kenworth Klassic

A whopping 1100 trucks rolled into the Hawkesbury Showgrounds in Clarendon, NSW over the weekend to take part in the famous Kenworth Klassic.  

The 17th year of the event saw 722 shined-up Kenworths on display – 80 of them W Models, which was the theme for 2024.  

Organiser David “Chappo” Chapman told Big Rigs: “The show is a bit of a juggernaut at this stage. 

“It’s the biggest truck show in the Southern Hemisphere, and the fourth biggest in the world. 

“We’re very happy with how it went – another year of craziness!” 

Gierisch Bros impressed with this monster rig. Image: Steve Haskell

Chapman said truckies came from far and wide to take part in the show, with some even bringing their rigs over from Tassie.  

“We had 16 trucks come from Tasmania, and we had that many trucks bobtail down from Bundaberg.  

“The fuel for one fella’s two trucks would have cost the same amount that it cost us to run the whole show!”  

There are no awards at the event, because it’s more about bringing people together.  

“It’s not about people polishing their trucks all weekend to try to get a plastic trophy,” he said.  

“Although don’t get me wrong, a lot of them do want that…I’ve probably just never had good enough equipment to win a trophy!

“It’s more about people in transport coming together to have a barbecue, with no pressure.  

“There are free rides for the kids and it’s a full-blown family vibe.”  

Freemans Transport joined in the fun with this flash Kenworth. Image: Steve Haskell

Chapman said one of the highlights of the show was seeing all of the iconic W models parked up together.  

He wanted to thank Peter Schlenk, as well as the team of volunteers, for their hard work over the weekend. 

“We’ve got two girls who organise all the trucks and register them on the Kenworth side, and we’ve got three of our mates who park the other trucks,” he said.  

“Then Bruce Gunter, who is the figurehead of the show, parks the Kenworths.”  

David Knight Transport brought the fleet along. Image: Steve Haskell

Although other shows, like the Casino Truck Show, have to put a cap on the number of trucks that register, Chapman said this isn’t a problem for the Kenworth Klassic.  

“We’ve got over 100 acres that’s choc-o-block full of trucks but we’ve got another 100 acres or so to play with in the back yard. 

“We’ll never cap it. Whoever wants to can come along.”  

There were over 700 Kenworths on display at the event. Image: Steve Haskell

As well as the Kenworth Klassic, the broader Clarendon Classic Machinery Rally featured displays of vintage machinery, stationery engines, tractors, and more.  

There was free admission and camping for exhibitors, and a two-course dinner on Saturday evening.  

Chapman said he’s looking forward to coming back next year – though he wouldn’t reveal the Kenworth Klassic’s theme for 2025.  

“That’s still a secret,” he said. “I have an idea but I’ve got to run it past my work partners before I announce it.

“We are definitely back for next year though, and everyone is welcome.”  

For more great pictures from the event, pick up a copy of the next issue of Big Rigs, on shelves October 11.  

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