What a collaboration! Mack Trucks Australia, Driza-Bone and former National Rugby League premiership player, Johnathan Thurston, joined forces for a special appearance at the recent Mt Isa Mines Rodeo.
Replacing the horse, the dual branded blacked-out, chromeless Mack Super-Liner truck travelled northwest from Brisbane as part of the brands’ collaboration, passing through rural communities, with the final stop at Mt Isa to join the action at the renowned rodeo event.
Thurston, a Driza-Bone ambassador, spearheaded the collaboration arriving at Mt Isa’s renowned event in the dual branded blacked-out 685hp Mack Super-Liner much to the delight of the crowds.
Thurston, who was centre stage for the main event on August 14, was chuffed with the opportunity to be in Mt Isa for the rodeo which brings together the best of the outback.
“I’ve had an amazing few days with my first Mt Isa rodeo experience and equally loved meeting so many locals, thanks to Driza-Bone and Mack Trucks,” said Thurston.
“I can’t think of anything more Australian than arriving at the outback rodeo, in a Mack Super-Liner, head-to-toe in my Driza-Bone kit. It’s been a really cool experience.”
Thurston was full of praise for the Super-Liner, especially the driver comfort.
"If you’re going to be a hauling around Australia, you’d want to be in one of these bad boys, that’s for sure. Super comfy, there’s obviously a bed in there as well, so that’s more my style, camping in the back there," he laughs. "I didn’t want to get out; so I was hoping I could take it home and pick the kids up from school in it, but I don’t think that will be allowed.
"It’s a beast, it’s got the double trailers as well. It’s awesome.
“It’s an honour to work with two legendary Australian brands that have such a strong presence in Queensland communities through their products and manufacturing plants.”
Driza-Bone’s Creative Director, Justin O’Shea, said the story behind Driza-Bone and Mack Trucks coming together just ‘made sense’ to the two hard-working Australian brands, both customised for the challenging Australian conditions.
“While our brands are vastly different, they are rich in Australian history and our respective products are built for surviving everything Australia’s big backyard can throw at you - be it the outback, hinterland or bush,” said O’Shea.
“When the opportunity presented to work together at one of Queensland’s biggest culture and community events in the Mt Isa Rodeo, we jumped at the chance to connect with locals and give something back.”
Mack Trucks Australia’s Vice President, Tom Chapman, who joined Thurston at the event, said he was proud to have teamed up with another iconic Australian brand and come back to their proving grounds in the outback.
“Mack Trucks are proudly built in Australia and are engineered and designed to meet the harsh Australian conditions,” said Chapman.
“Driza-Bone share this mission and we have come together to Mt Isa this weekend for exactly that - to connect and give back to our customers.
“What a sight it was with Johnathan rolling into one of the most iconic outback events in a Mack Black Super-Liner, wearing his Driza-Bone gear and adding another layer of enjoyment to the day.”
Rodeo guests had the opportunity to meet Thurston, win Drizabone and Mack Trucks prizes, and see the blacked-out Mack Super-Liner truck used on the road trip, with its new stand-up sleeper cab and redesigned interior.
The 685hp 16-litre MP10 in the Super-Liner puts out 2300lb-ft of torque and is connected to Mack’s mDrive HD 13-speed automated manual ’box. With the all-Mack driveline, including front and rear Mack axles, the Super-Liner earns "Gold Bulldog" status.
