Organisers will hit pause on the Fennell Forestry Truck Pull Challenge once again in 2021, as local people and industry continue to navigate the bumpy road through COVID-19.

The free community event has been held annually in Mount Gambier since 2013, drawing national attention and support from within the timber, truck and transport industry, local business and the community.

Almost $150,000 has been raised for children’s charity Variety SA during this time, via the owners of Bash Car #58, Trevor and Yvonne Sims.

Fennell Forestry managing director and event organiser Wendy Fennell said the decision to cancel for a second year was made in response to the challenge and uncertainly COVID-19 continued to present.

“Ever changing border restrictions, lockdowns and uncertainty is continuing to cause disruption and hardship for so many people and businesses in our community,” she said.

“To proceed with an event which relies on the generosity of our community and business sector feels insensitive at this time.”

Ms Fennell thanked inaugural sponsors the Barry Maney Group and Trident Tyres for their unwavering support during the seven successful truck pull events.

She also encouraged those that were able to get behind Variety fundraiser Trevor Sims, who recently completed his 20th SA Variety Bash.

“Trevor, his wife Yvonne, family and Bash Car #58 have been staunch supporters of the Fennell Forestry Truck Pull event since the beginning, with funds raised from our event helping boost their already significant contribution to Variety SA,” Ms Fennell said.

“Thanks to their hard work and dedication, Car #58 has already raised $74,000 for the charity this year and a staggering $650,000 over the last two decades.

“It’s the community spirit of people like Trevor and the important work of Variety that makes us so determined to see the events return to help charities.”