GRAND BEND, Ont. — Organizers of the Earl Hardy Trucking Big Rig Nationals are in the process of finalizing details for an expanded two-day celebration of chrome and speed.

This year’s show moves to July 10-11 from its previous one-day slot in September. The location remains the 300-acre grounds at Grand Bend Motorplex in Grand Bend, Ont.

This year’s show’n’shine will feature additional classes (bringing the total to 24), according to organizers. There’ll also be a Wash & Park section for owners that want to take part in the show, but don’t have the time to spend washing and polishing their rig for the show’n’shine competition. Pre-registration is available, or participants can register on-site July 9-10.

The show will also feature a trade show, with displays available in three sizes. There will be a section dedicated to recruiting, according to organizers.

The highlight of the show will remain the drag racing, which takes place on a quarter-mile strip. Time trials measure the speed of all trucks and then slower vehicles are given an appropriate “head start” during the actual racing. Grand Bend Motorplex’s state-of-the-art race computer calculates truck speeds and levels the playing field.

Gates open at noon on July 10 and the track will feature ‘Free for all Friday’ racing and time trials beginning at 6 p.m., organizers say. The gates open at 10 a.m. Saturday. For more details, visit www.gbmbigrigs.com or call 519-238-7223, ext. 24.