Media Release

The culmination of a 12-month nationwide search for Australia’s best looking rig concluded in Albury on Saturday, 5 November, with the crowning of Australia’s best looking truck.

Mark Causley’s cherished Kenworth 904 was honoured as the 2005 Shell Rimula Rig of the Year, and was awarded the $10,000 prize thanks to Shell Rimula.

Prior to the announcement, Mr Causley led one of Australia’s largest ever trucking convoys on a journey through the streets of Albury and Wodonga.

Truckies from as far as Tasmania and Western Australia journeyed to Albury to participate in the history-making event.  More than 80 rigs participated in the 15-kilometre truck parade, before Australia’s best looking rigs were displayed at Noreuil Park, Albury.

The estimated value of the trucks featured in the convoy was more than $25 million.  However it was Mr Causley’s fiery red Kenworth that stole the show.

Noreuil Park then hosted a free family ‘fun day’ including live music performed by the One Eyed Jacks, local food stands and children’s activities, prior to the presentation of the $1,000 Shell Rimula Rig of the Day award.

Culcairn resident Darren Thomas took home the $1,000 Rig of the Day cash prize for his T904 Kenworth, which featured in the rig convoy.

Shell Lubrications Communications Manager, Tony Firman, said both awards recognised the valuable contribution of the road transport industry to Australia.

“Now in its 22nd year, the award recognises the time and effort truckies put into their vehicles which ensures Australia’s trucking fleet is one of the best maintained in the world,” he said.

“There was fierce competition for both the Shell Rimula Rig of the Year and Rig of the Day awards, and the industry should be proud of the drivers who participated.”

The award is held in conjunction with Truckin’ Life magazine, which selected the country’s 10 Rig of the Month winners, with trucks of all sizes and configurations encouraged to enter. 

More than 350 drivers, partners and their friends then attended the Shell Rimula Trucking ‘Night of Nights’ fundraising dinner at the Albury Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen’s Club on Saturday night, with money raised helping the Mercy Hospital and Noreuil Park children’s playground fundraising appeal.

We were delighted to incorporate the charity dinner into this year’s event and to make a direct contribution to the local community,” Mr Firman said.

“It was also a fantastic opportunity for the trucking community to unwind and reflect after the excitement of the Shell Rimula Rig of the Year.”

Shell Rimula Rig of the Year winner Mark has been on the road since the age of 20, when he started his driving career for Grafton transport operators Blanchards and Bloomers. 

Shortly after this he purchased his first truck, a 1985 W Model Kenworth, at age 25.  The Causley family then purchased their award winning Kenworth 904 in 2004.

“I was both shocked and excited to discover I had won the prestigious Rig of the Year award,” said Mr Causley, who believes his latest truck does a lot more than just look good.

“It’s more than a lifestyle thing, it has to pay its way,” said Mark, who is on the road between Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne from Sunday to Friday. 

Mark points to the comfort of his truck – which boasts a 50 inch integrated sleeper, a DVD player and 15-litre fridge – as a feature that helped separate him from the other entrants.

However the Causley business is a family affair, and Mark ensures he is home to spend time with his wife, Nicole, and their four children each weekend.

“I would like to thank my family for their tireless support and the massive contribution they make to the business.  This award recognises the teamwork that goes into ensuring our Kenworth looks its best all the time,” said Mr Causley.