GRAND BEND, Ont. — Gray skies parted early on Saturday, allowing drivers at the Earl Hardy Trucking Big Rig Nationals at Grand Bend Motorplex to test their mettle on the quarter-mile drag strip.

The weather also cooperated for those who preferred the quieter and more traditional show’n’shine portion of the two-day show.

The following winners left with prizes in the show’n’shine: Shawn Van Dyk, 2008 Peterbilt, Best Owner/Operator and Best Peterbilt; Michael Cronyor, Mike Nesbitt Trucking, 2003 Peterbilt, Best Custom and Best Interior; Henry Neustaeter, HN Trucking, 1988 Freightliner, Best Freightliner and Best Day Cab; Jonathon Hardy, Earl Hardy Trucking, 2003 Kenworth, Best Hardy Truck and Best Light Show; John Swan, 2006 Peterbilt, Best Dump; Glenn Horst, Floyd Gibbons Trucking, 2004 Peterbilt, Best Tractor-Trailer; Larry Hofstetter, Earl Hardy Trucking, 1994 Kenworth, Best Kenworth;  Brian McLeod, Masse Trucking, 2008 Mack, Best Mack; and Les Thompson, Andy Godts and Sons, 2007 Western Star, Best Western Star.

Traditionally a one-day show in September, organizers decided to bump it ahead to the summer to take advantage of better weather. The plan nearly backfired as weather forecasts were quite bleak, but it worked out in the end and those who attended were treated to a good day of racing.

Sherry Clarke, in charge of big rig promotions for the show, told Trucknews.com the event will remain a two-day show held in the summertime going forward. For video of the drag racing and interviews with participants, keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming episode of our WebTV show Transportation Matters.