What started as a hobby in a Chicago gamer’s room has now set him on a path toward the trucking industry—one gear shift at a time.
Connor Hudziak didn’t grow up around big rigs. There were no truckers in the family, and his first exposure to the lifestyle came through a screen, not a highway. But while others were battling dragons or playing first-person shooters, Connor was clocking hours in American Truck Simulator—a game designed to mirror real trucking down to the finest detail. From handling deliveries and navigating logistics to managing a digital fleet, it gave him a taste of the industry without ever leaving home.
And Connor didn’t just play casually. He recreated the truck driving experience with a custom setup that included a steering wheel, shifter, control box, and pedals—choosing to haul loads in a candy-apple red Western Star 57X.
At the time, he couldn’t have imagined how closely that virtual truck would mirror his future.
A Sim Turns Into Something Real
Western Star Trucks, in partnership with SCS Software—the creators of American Truck Simulator—recognized the simulator’s impact. With the game’s popularity among both enthusiasts and aspiring drivers, Western Star saw an opportunity to connect with the next generation of truckers in a fresh, meaningful way.
They launched the “Star Nation Customer Experience” at their Madras, Oregon test center and invited two lucky sweepstakes winners from the simulator community. One of them was Connor.
The event brought Connor face-to-face with professionals in the field and digital influencers like trucking YouTuber Casey LaDelle. Though new to the real-life trucking scene, Connor quickly found common ground—and even stole the spotlight during a backing challenge on the test track, beating seasoned drivers despite never having driven a real semi before.
A CDL Gift That Changed Everything
Impressed by his talent and passion, the Western Star team, along with LaDelle, took things a step further. At the closing dinner, they surprised Connor with news that would change his life: they had come together to fund his Commercial Driver’s License training.
The moment was emotional and unforgettable.
“It’s honestly been life-changing,” he said. “This was more than just a trip—it was a doorway into a future I’ve always dreamed about.”
Steering Toward a New Career
Today, Connor is actively working on obtaining his CDL and has plans to start driving part-time for his current employer, with hopes of going full-time in the near future.
His story highlights what’s possible when a digital passion is met with real-world support. More importantly, it shows how companies like Western Star are thinking outside the box—using gaming, mentorship, and opportunity to help passionate individuals like Connor turn a virtual dream into a tangible career.
From simulator pedals to real truck brakes, Connor’s journey is proof that the road to trucking doesn’t always start at a truck stop—sometimes, it begins with a keyboard.
Source: Trucking Info
Image Source: Western Star
