Truck show season always brings out the best builds in the country, but this year’s PKY Truck Beauty Championship at the Mid America Trucking Show raised the bar again. With nearly 200 trucks competing in Louisville, the 35th annual event delivered a mix of polished showpieces, working rigs, and fully custom builds that drew attention all weekend.
When the votes were counted, one truck stood out from the crowd.
Alfalfa Cruiser Takes People’s Choice
Jason Flores earned the People’s Choice award with his truck known as “Alfalfa Cruiser,” a 2018 Peterbilt 389 paired with 2018 XL double flatbeds. The award is decided by fellow participants and attendees, making it one of the most talked-about wins of the show.
The combination of detail, presentation, and overall presence helped it rise above a packed field of competitors.
Big Rig Build Off Draws Top Builders
Another highlight of the event was the Big Rig Build Off, where top builders go head-to-head under time pressure to create a standout show truck.
This year’s title went to Randy Menkel of Never Satisfied Builds and J and L Contracting with a 1985 Peterbilt 359. The competition also featured returning competitor Luke Rethwisch of Rethwisch Transport and James Stegall of Stegall’s Truck Shop.
Best of Show Standouts
Several trucks across limited mileage categories made a strong impression:
Limited Mileage Bobtail with Miles
- Best of Show: Darryl Beger with “Mint Condition,” a 2019 Peterbilt 389
- Second: Bryant Mann with “Ribbon Runner,” a 1998 Peterbilt 379
- Third: Josh and Jayson Loyer with “Tax Exempt,” a 1989 Mack Superliner
Limited Mileage Bobtail with No Miles
- Best of Show: CJ Nairn with a 2025 Kenworth W900L
- Second: Jared Nelson with “Curb Appeal,” a 2022 Peterbilt 389
- Third: Eddie Homfeld with “Crown Jewel,” a 2024 Peterbilt 389
Limited Mileage Combo
- Best of Show: Chad and Brad Sand with “Asphalt Outlaw,” a 2016 Peterbilt 389 and 2018 Mac trailer
- Second: Jason Flores with “Alfalfa Cruiser,” a 2018 Peterbilt 389 and 2018 XL double flatbeds
- Third: Jerry Mies with “Mooving Violation,” a 2007 Peterbilt 379 and 2022 Walker
Working Trucks That Still Shine
The working truck categories continue to prove that daily-use equipment can compete at a high level.
Working Truck Bobtail
- Best of Show: Phillip Couch with “New Testament,” a 1999 Freightliner Classic XL
- Second: Austin Badders with “Fine Wine,” a 1983 Peterbilt 359
- Third: Ashton Kaley with a 1995 Kenworth W900
Working Truck Combo
- Best of Show: Blake Ray with a 2020 Peterbilt 389 and 2026 Mac trailer
- Second: Tucker Jacob with a 2024 Peterbilt 389 and a 2024 Eby
- Third: John Treadway with “Teal Appeal,” a 1998 Peterbilt 379 and 2017 Great Dane
Antique Iron Still Turns Heads
Classic trucks had a strong showing across multiple categories, highlighting the continued appreciation for older equipment kept in top condition.
Antique Original Bobtail
- First: Ethan Tipton with “Wildcard,” a 1972 Brockway 457
- Second: Thomas Menges with “Sweet, Smooth & Sassy,” a 1986 Mack Superliner
- Third: Earl Chapman with “Pearl,” a 1966 Peterbilt 352
Antique Custom Bobtail
- First: Jaden Warner with a 1988 Peterbilt 362
- Second: Brian Sweet with a 1979 Kenworth W900A
- Third: Casey Field with “Curley,” a 1969 Peterbilt 359
Additional Category Winners
Several other categories highlighted everything from paint and lighting to interiors and new equipment:
- New Truck: Douglas Prier with a 2026 Kenworth W900
- Wrecker: Jacob Ripley with “Wreckless Behavior,” a 2025 Kenworth W900B
- Troy “The Legend” Huddleston Award: Tyler LaMontagne with “Nelly Bell,” a 1983 Peterbilt 359
- Rockwood Running Late Award: Paul Brookhart with “Pendleton,” a 2001 Peterbilt 379
- Bette Garber Memorial Award: Austin Badders with “Sexual Chocolate,” a 1983 Peterbilt 359
- Bennett Louisville Invite Winner: Tucker Jacob with a 2024 Peterbilt 389 and 2024 Eby
What This Year’s Show Delivered
From fully restored classics to modern working trucks built for both function and presentation, this year’s PKY Championship showed how much pride goes into every detail. Whether it’s chrome, paint, fabrication, or upkeep, the level of effort behind each entry was on full display.
With nearly 200 trucks competing, earning a spot at the top in any category says a lot about the build and the people behind it.
