From Drag Lines to Drag Racing

May 18, 2023 - 2 years ago

In the summer of 1981, this H.D. Hayes truck, fitted with 10 foot off-highway bunks, was owned and operated by Al Dinez of Prince George, BC.

He was contracted to McKay Logging Ltd. with Northwood Pulp and Timber at the time, working in the Bowron Lakes area near Prince George. These logs were loaded by Rod “Hot Rod” Belanger with a Cat 966C loader.

Later in the 1980s, the Hayes was purchased by Brad Gallant. A little paint, a new motor and transmission in the 1990s, and it continued to work in the Hagen region, as well as Fort Nelson and Minaret. “The forest roads were bumper-to-bumper trucks in those days,” remembers Gallant.

Retired from logging, this Hayes spent some wild years participating in “Big Rig” drag races in Prince George —even placing 1st and 2nd occasionally.

More recently, the Hayes got dressed up with a trailer, and came out of retirement to make an appearance at the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Hayes Trucks in Port Alberni last year.

“Nowadays it’s all short logs,” Gallant continued. “If long logs ever come back, this truck could definitely go back to work and keep on going!”

Thanks to the Gallant family for providing the photos and information!

Hayes: From Drag Lines to Drag Racing