GRAND BEND, Ont. – The Earl Hardy Big Rig Nationals are expanding to a two-day format in July. The popular event, which includes a show’n’shine, truck drag racing and a vendor display, outgrew its previous time slot, according to organizers. Traditionally held in early September, this year’s event will be held July 10-11 at Grand Bend Motorplex.

“This event simply outgrew its time slot. With its continued success and the support of the truckers, the fans and of course the advertisers that make it all possible, we knew it was time to really let it ‘spread its wings’ so to speak,” said Paul Spriet, COO of Grand Bend Motorplex.

“Earl Hardy Trucking, Truck News, Team Truck Centre, they all tried to convince us two years ago to take the event to the next level. When we finished last year’s event, it felt like there was still so much more we could have done, that we decided to take the leap for 2009,” added track manager Ron Biekx.

Sherry Clarke, a founding member of the team that built the Fergus Truck Show, has come on-board to help promote and grow the event. She is accepting registrations for the show’n’shine and can be reached at 519-238-7223, ext. 24 or by e-mail at truck.event@gmail.com.

However, as organizers prepare for an expanded two-day festival, one question remains. How exactly will Ontario’s speed limiter law impact the racing? Organizers are hoping someone with the qualifications and expertise will be available on-site to de-activate the racers’ speed limiter settings for the on-track racing and then reprogram them after the event.

If your company can help, contact Biekx at 519-238-7223, ext. 26.