The 2025 Walcott Truckers Jamboree crowned its Trucker’s Choice champion, and the spotlight shone brightly on Jerry Linander of Winona, Minnesota. His meticulously maintained 1994 Kenworth W900L, paired with a 2025 Great Dane dry van and affectionately named “No Fences,” captured the hearts of attendees and judges alike.
The annual event, hosted by the iconic Iowa 80 Truckstop, is a celebration of trucking culture, and the Super Truck Beauty Contest is always a fan favorite. This year, Linander’s “No Fences” not only claimed the coveted Trucker’s Choice award but also swept the competition in the Custom Graphics/Combination and Polish & Detail/Combination categories. Additionally, it secured third place in the Working Truck/2001 & Older Combination category.
Standing proudly with his trophy, Linander was joined by fellow competitor Kate Whiting, showcasing the camaraderie and spirit that define the trucking community.
Honoring Excellence: Other Standout Winners
The 2025 Jamboree wasn’t short on jaw-dropping rigs and inspiring stories. Among the highlights was Dylan Mercier of St. Anne, Illinois, who earned the Best Overall Theme award for his tribute truck, “Our Fallen Heroes.” This 2005 Mack, paired with a 2022 Wilson hopper bottom trailer, paid homage to those who have served.
“Our Fallen Heroes” is a moving tribute that resonated deeply with everyone at the event.
A Look at the Top Winners
Here’s a breakdown of the standout trucks and their well-deserved accolades:
Working Trucks (WT)
- Cabover: Matt Schleuger (Wesley, Iowa) – 1993 Kenworth K100E (blue and white)
- Company Truck/Bobtail: Andy Mulkey (Van Buren, Michigan) – 2024 Kenworth “A Family Obsession” (purple)
- Company Truck/Combination: JW Vlcek (Seneca, Kansas) – 2024 Peterbilt 389 & 2024 Western Belt trailer (green and white)
- 2025-2022 Bobtail Conventional: Brad Steel (New Sharon, Iowa) – 2024 Kenworth W900 “Purplicious” (purple)
- 2021-2015 Bobtail Conventional: Nate Heiderscheit (Peosta, Iowa) – 2020 Peterbilt 389 (blue)
- 2000 & Older Bobtail Conventional: Kyle Weaver (Wooster, Ohio) – 1981 Kenworth W900A (brown)
- 2025-2020 Combination: Bobbie & Dawson Taylor (Cameron, North Carolina) – 2020 Freightliner Cascadia & 2026 Utility Reefer “Roll of the Dice” (purple)
- 2019-2011 Combination: Rich Rukstalis (Morton, Illinois) – 2018 Kenworth T680 & 2014 Great Dane van trailer “Gold Buckle Dreams”
- 2010-2002 Combination: Michael & Jackie Wallace (Ashville, Alabama) – 2007 Freightliner Coronado & 2014 Great Dane van trailer “Semper Fi” (blue)
- 2001 & Older Combination: Daniel & Phyllis Snow (Harrison, Arkansas) – 1996 Freightliner Classic XL & 2006 Utility van trailer “The Goose”
- Specialty: Clifton Parsley (Cave City, Kentucky) – 2024 Peterbilt 389 “Heavy Hook” (black)
Show Class
- Bobtail: Mark & Teri Lancaster (Ottumwa, Iowa) – 1967 Peterbilt 358M “Keepin’ It Teal” (teal)
- Combination: Bruce Jones (Channahon, Illinois) – 2000 Peterbilt 379 & 2024 J&L tanker trailer “Show Time” (green and orange)
Polish & Detail
- Bobtail: Kyle Weaver (Wooster, Ohio) – 1981 Kenworth W900A (brown)
- Combination: Jerry Linander (Winona, Minnesota) – 1994 Kenworth W900L & 2025 Great Dane dry van “No Fences”
Interior
- OEM Sleeper/Bobtail: Zack Strayer (Thorntown, Indiana) – 2025 Peterbilt “Canadian Tuxedo” (two-tone blue)
- OEM Sleeper/Combination: Bobbie & Dawson Taylor (Cameron, North Carolina) – 2020 Freightliner Cascadia & 2026 Utility Reefer “Roll of the Dice” (purple)
- OEM Conversion Sleeper: John Treadway (Kokomo, Indiana) – 1998 Peterbilt 379 & 2017 Great Dane reefer “Teal Appeal”
- Custom Sleeper: Daniel & Phyllis Snow (Harrison, Arkansas) – 1996 Freightliner Classic XL & 2006 Utility trailer “The Goose” (green and silver)
Rat Rod
- Jamie Johnson (Marshfield, Missouri) – 1955 Peterbilt 281 “Giddy Up” (silver)
A Celebration of Trucking Culture
The Walcott Truckers Jamboree continues to be a cornerstone event for the trucking community, bringing together drivers, enthusiasts, and families to celebrate the industry’s rich heritage. From stunning rigs to heartfelt tributes, the 2025 event was a testament to the passion and pride of America’s truckers.
For a full list of winners from this year’s Super Truck Beauty Contest, click here
Image Source: The winner of this year’s Trucker’s Choice award at the Walcott Truckers Jamboree is “No Fences,” a 1994 Kenworth W900L, teamed with a 2025 Great Dane dry van. Owner Jerry Linander and fellow competitor Kate Whiting display the champion trophy. (Source: Linda Garner-Bunch/The Trucker)
Source: The Trucker
