Real-World Skills Meet Real-World Machines

Participants climbed into the cabs of Western Star 47X and 49X models to face a series of demanding events that pushed their precision and problem-solving to the limit. The lineup included:

• Backing trucks up the steep incline known as “Mount Madras”
• Executing precise gravel spreads at a rock quarry
• Going head-to-head in an American Truck Simulator competition

Each challenge was designed not only to assess driver skill but also to highlight the Detroit Assurance safety technology in a safe, controlled environment.

From Gamer to Trucker

Casey LaDelle, returning as a team captain, reflected on what sets the Star Nation Experience apart.

“You realize the people behind the scenes ARE the Western Star brand, and the trucks are the product of the passion for what they do.”

The event’s inclusion of gaming community members underscored how skills can transfer from simulation to real-world trucking.

Passing the Torch to the Next Generation

Last year’s champion, Tatiana DeYoung, stepped into a mentorship role for 2025, finding just as much reward in coaching as she did in competing.

“I like how I’m able to be a part of their experience and let them know what I know, and then they just take it and apply it however they would like.”

Her guidance showcased the event’s blend of competition and collaboration, giving new participants the chance to learn from proven veterans.

Honoring the Backbone of Vocational Trucking

Event lead Alex Bender Martin explained that Star Nation is more than just a competition — it’s a celebration of the people who keep vocational trucking strong.

“We really look at all the winners that are here as the backbone of the vocational industry, and we want to celebrate them. We want to bring back that camaraderie and that pride in this business.”

The three-day experience wasn’t just about winning. From behind-the-scenes tours of Daimler’s facilities to outdoor activities and fireside conversations with executives, Star Nation created a space where technology, skill, and personal connection came together.

While one team ultimately claimed the top spot, the true success of the 2025 Star Nation Experience was in the relationships built, connecting operators, cutting-edge technology, and the Western Star brand in a way that reflects the passion and pride driving the industry forward.

Image Source: Lauren Fletcher, Trucking Info
Source: Trucking Info

The post Skill and Innovation Shine at the 2025 Star Nation Experience appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

One of the event’s biggest highlights was the Super Trucks Beauty Contest, which brought together working trucks and custom builds from all over North America. Participants competed across numerous categories, impressing attendees with everything from classic restorations to meaningful themed designs.

Top Honors Capture Tribute and Excellence

The contest’s top awards went to two standout trucks with powerful stories behind them.

Dylan Mercier from St. Anne, Illinois, earned the Best Overall Theme for his tribute rig, a 2005 Mack matched with a 2022 Wilson hopper bottom trailer called “Our Fallen Heroes.”

Meanwhile, Jerry Linander of Winona, Minnesota, won the coveted Trucker’s Choice award with his striking black 1994 Kenworth W900L and 2025 Great Dane dry van named “No Fences.”

These trucks resonated far beyond their aesthetics, reflecting deep connections to the trucking community’s pride and values.

2025 Super Trucks Beauty Contest Winners by Category

WT: Cabover
1st – Matt Schleuger, Wesley, IA – 1993 Kenworth K100E
2nd – Cody Kirby, Bernard, IA – 1987 Kenworth K100
3rd – Dennis Sikorski, Bancroft, WI – 1995 Peterbilt 362 “Old School & Flat Broke”

WT: Company Truck – Bobtail
1st – Andy Mulkey, Van Buren, MI – 2024 Kenworth “A Family Obsession”
2nd – Gary Miller, Cedar Rapids, IA – 2025 Kenworth W990 “Hawkeye Special”
3rd – James Laster, Denver, CO – 2023 Freightliner Cascadia “Time Machine”

WT: Company Truck – Combination
1st – JW Vlcek, Seneca, KS – 2024 Peterbilt 389 & 2024 Western Belt trailer
2nd – Luke Oligschlaeger, Meta, MO – 2025 Kenworth W900 & 2023 Great Dane van trailer
3rd – Nick Lierz, Seneca, KS – 2019 Peterbilt 389 & 2024 Western Belt trailer

Rat Rod
Winner – Jamie Johnson, Marshfield, MO – 1955 Peterbilt 281 “Giddy Up”

WT: 2025–2022 Bobtail Conventional
1st – Brad Steel, New Sharon, IA – 2024 Kenworth W900 “Purplicious”
2nd – Amanda Saumier, Kasota, MN – 2022 Freightliner Cascadia “The Cancer Truck”
3rd – James Nalin, Tucson, AZ – 2022 Freightliner Cascadia “American Patriot”

WT: 2021–2015 Bobtail Conventional
1st – Nate Heiderscheit, Peosta, IA – 2020 Peterbilt 389
2nd – Kenric Fisher, Roseboro, NC – 2019 Freightliner Cascadia
3rd – Brady Benhart, DeWitt, IA – 2017 Peterbilt 389

WT: 2014–2007 Bobtail Conventional
Winner – Timothy Sander, Thebes, IL – 2010 Freightliner Classic “Death Wish”

WT: 2006–2001 Bobtail Conventional
1st – James Weverka, Octavia, NE – 2005 Kenworth W900L “Hercules”
2nd – Shelle Lichti, Olivette, MO – 2003 Freightliner Century
3rd – Tony Haffner, Farmington, IA – 2002 Peterbilt 386

WT: 2000 & Older Bobtail Conventional
1st – Kyle Weaver, Wooster, OH – 1981 Kenworth W900A
2nd – Jeremy Woods, Lucas, KS – 1992 Peterbilt 379 “Bad Company”
3rd – Chris & Pam Homfeld, Warrensburg, MO – 2000 Peterbilt 379 “Babycakes”

WT: 2025–2020 Combination
1st – Bobbie & Dawson Taylor, Cameron, NC – 2020 Freightliner Cascadia & 2026 Utility Reefer “Roll of the Dice”
2nd – Luke Henshaw, Minier, IL – 2025 Kenworth W900L & 2025 Westmor air tanker
3rd – Ken Oligschlaeger, St. Elizabeth, MO – 2025 Kenworth W900 & 2023 Great Dane van trailer

WT: 2019–2011 Combination
Winner – Rich Rukstalis, Morton, IL – 2018 Kenworth T680 & 2014 Great Dane van trailer “Gold Buckle Dreams”

WT: 2010–2002 Combination
1st – Michael & Jackie Wallace, Ashville, AL – 2007 Freightliner Coronado & 2014 Great Dane van trailer “Semper Fi”
2nd – Bill Blackmon, Florien, LA – 2010 Kenworth W900 & 1992 Great Dane van trailer “Believe”
3rd – Tyler Emmons, Chesterfield, IL – 2010 Western Star 4900 EX & 2005 Great Dane reefer trailer

WT: 2001 & Older Combination
1st – Daniel & Phyllis Snow, Harrison, AR – 1996 Freightliner Classic XL & 2006 Utility van trailer “The Goose”
2nd – John Treadway, Kokomo, IN – 1998 Peterbilt 379 & 2017 Great Dane reefer trailer “Teal Appeal”
3rd – Jerry Linander, Winona, MN – 1994 Kenworth W900L & 2025 Great Dane dry van trailer “No Fences”

WT: Specialty
1st – Clifton Parsley, Cave City, KY – 2024 Peterbilt 389 “Heavy Hook”
2nd – Arville Tackett Jr, Carleton, MI – 2012 Freightliner Cascadia
3rd – Jacob Tackett, Carleton, MI – 2010 Peterbilt 386

Show Class – Bobtail
1st – Mark & Teri Lancaster, Ottumwa, IA – 1967 Peterbilt 358M “Keepin’ It Teal”
2nd – Zack Strayer, Thorntown, IN – 2025 Peterbilt 589 “Canadian Tuxedo”
3rd – John Osborne, Canton, IL – 1994 Peterbilt 379 “Dreamsickle”

Show Class – Combination
1st – Bruce Jones, Channahon, IL – 2000 Peterbilt 379 & 2024 J&L tanker trailer “Show Time”
2nd – Kate Whiting, Chetek, WI – 1973 Kenworth W900L & 1974 Wilson cattle trailer “Cherry Pie”
3rd – Joe Eldridge, Gladewater, TX – 2024 Peterbilt 389 & 2024 Kalyn Seibert trailer “Purple Pressure”

Custom Paint – Bobtail
1st – Kyle Weaver, Wooster, OH – 1981 Kenworth W900A
2nd – Mark & Teri Lancaster – 1967 Peterbilt 358M “Keepin’ It Teal”
3rd – Nate Heiderscheit, Peosta, IA – 2020 Peterbilt 389

Custom Paint – Combination
1st – Bruce Jones – 2000 Peterbilt 379 & 2024 tanker “Show Time”
2nd – Nick Lierz – 2019 Peterbilt 389 & 2024 Western Belt trailer
3rd – Cody Kirby – 1987 Kenworth K100 & 2019 Wilson hopper bottom trailer

Custom Graphics – Bobtail
1st – Amanda Saumier – 2022 Freightliner Cascadia “The Cancer Truck”
2nd – Bret Chastain – 2015 Mack CXU “Every Dog Has Its Day”
3rd – Clifton Parsley – 2024 Peterbilt 389 “Heavy Hook”

Custom Graphics – Combination
1st – Jerry Linander – 1994 Kenworth W900L & 2025 Great Dane dry van “No Fences”
2nd – Dylan Mercier – 2005 Mack & 2022 Wilson hopper bottom trailer “Our Fallen Heroes”
3rd – Daniel & Phyllis Snow – 1996 Freightliner Classic XL & 2006 Utility trailer “The Goose”

Polish & Detail – Bobtail
1st – Kyle Weaver – 1981 Kenworth W900A
2nd – Nate Heiderscheit – 2020 Peterbilt 389
3rd – Clifton Parsley – 2024 Peterbilt 389 “Heavy Hook”

Polish & Detail – Combination
1st – Jerry Linander – 1994 Kenworth W900L & 2025 Great Dane dry van “No Fences”
2nd – Nick Lierz – 2019 Peterbilt 389 & 2024 Western Belt trailer
3rd – Daniel & Phyllis Snow – 1996 Freightliner Classic XL & 2006 Utility trailer

Interior – OEM Sleeper – Bobtail
1st – Zack Strayer – 2025 Peterbilt 589 “Canadian Tuxedo”
2nd – Brad Steel – 2024 Kenworth W900 “Purplicious”
3rd – Kyle Weaver – 1981 Kenworth W900A

Interior – OEM Sleeper – Combination
1st – Bobbie & Dawson Taylor – 2020 Freightliner Cascadia & 2026 Utility Reefer “Roll of the Dice”
2nd – Ken Oligschlaeger – 2025 Kenworth W900 & 2023 Great Dane van trailer
3rd – Nick Lierz – 2019 Peterbilt 389 & 2024 Western Belt trailer

Interior – OEM Conversion Sleeper
1st – John Treadway – 1998 Peterbilt 379 & 2017 Great Dane reefer “Teal Appeal”
2nd – Kendall Weaver – 1996 Kenworth W900L & 2022 XL RGIV trailer

Interior – Custom Sleeper
1st – Daniel & Phyllis Snow – 1996 Freightliner Classic XL & 2006 Utility trailer “The Goose”
2nd – Michael & Jackie Wallace – 2007 Freightliner Coronado & 2014 Great Dane van trailer “Semper Fi”
3rd – Bruce Jones – 2000 Peterbilt 379 & 2024 tanker “Show Time”

Image: (Source: Truckers News) Dylan Mercier’s 2005 Mack and a 2022 Wilson hopper bottom trailer “Our Fallen Heroes”
Source: Truckers News

The post Trucking Pride Shines Bright at 2025 Walcott Jamboree with Super Trucks Beauty Contest Winners appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Held every summer at the “World’s Largest Truckstop,” this event is a tradition for many drivers — a moment to step out of the cab, enjoy live entertainment, and connect with the larger trucking community. Admission, parking, and concerts are all 100% free, and events will go on rain or shine.

A Tradition Built on Community and Celebration

The Jamboree brings together everything drivers love in one spot — from live music and fireworks to cookouts, classic rigs, and contests.

“The Jamboree wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of the Iowa 80 staff, along with all the volunteers who brave the summer heat to make sure it’s a success,” said Delia Moon Meier, senior vice president of the Iowa 80 Group.

Featured highlights include the annual Super Truck Beauty Contest, a showcase of vintage trucks, the fan-favorite Iowa pork chop cookout, and the ever-competitive Trucker Olympics. Two nights of fireworks will light up the Walcott sky — a tradition that’s grown into one of the most anticipated parts of the weekend.

Big Sounds on the Big Stage

Country music fans are in for a treat Friday night. Little Texas takes the main stage at 7:00 PM on July 11.

“You’ll remember Little Texas for their iconic songs ‘God Bless Texas,’ ‘Amy’s Back in Austin’ and ‘You and Forever and Me,’” said Heather DeBaillie, vice president of marketing for the Iowa 80 Group.

The Grammy-nominated group has also received two American Music Award nominations and five ACM nods, taking home Top Vocal Group of the Year in 1993. They also earned Album of the Year at the CMAs in 1994, securing their place in ‘90s country history.

The music lineup also includes several Quad Cities favorites:

• The Jimmy Welty Band
• Casey Muessigmann
• Angela Meyer and the Western Stars
• The Dani Lynn Howe Band

If You Go

The Walcott Truckers Jamboree is located at Iowa 80 Truckstop, I-80 Exit 284 in Walcott, Iowa. On-site parking is free, and shuttle service from the parking area to the event grounds is being provided courtesy of TBK Financial’s LoadPay.

Concerts are free and open to the public, along with all other scheduled activities. For times and event details, visit truckersjamboree.com.

“So park your truck (or your car), put on your sunscreen, and head outside for another memorable Walcott Truckers Jamboree!” Meier added.

Image Source: Iowa 80 Group
Source: The Trucker

The post Walcott Truckers Jamboree Rolls In Today with Three Days of Free Family Fun appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Jeff Cochran, representing FedEx Freight, delivered another outstanding performance, making headlines as he earned his second Grand Championship trophy. On top of securing the overall win, Cochran also came out on top in the competitive three-axle division, solidifying his reputation as one of the Arkansas Truck Driving Championship’s most remarkable competitors.

Celebrating Standout Drivers

The list of winners this year tells the story of resilience, mastery, and teamwork in the Arkansas trucking community. Chaunce Umfleet, also from FedEx, earned the runner-up spot overall and was recognized for his outstanding attitude and professionalism with the event’s Sportsmanship Award.

FedEx Freight’s Ronnie Mahan nabbed the top pre-trip inspection score, earning respect for his attention to detail: a vital trait for safety on the road. Dave Hall from ABF Freight proved his expertise on paper as well, taking the top spot in the written portion of the competition.

For newcomers, the Arkansas Truck Driving Championship was an opportunity to shine. Chandler Compton, another FedEx driver, received accolades as this year’s Rookie of the Year, an honor that points to a promising future in the industry.

Team Achievements and Category Champions

In addition to outstanding individuals, team efforts were honored as well. ABF Freight took home the Small Team Award, while FedEx Freight’s group stood out among large teams, reflecting both determination and collective skill.

Drivers also competed across a range of vehicle classes. Those earning top positions not only brought pride to their employers but have also qualified to represent Arkansas at the national competition in Minneapolis this August. Here are this year’s category winners:

• 3 Axle: Jeff Cochran, FedEx Freight

• 4 Axle: Chaunce Umfleet, FedEx Corp.

• 5 Axle: Nathan Evans, Tyson Foods

• Flatbed: Phillip Thurner, Tyson Foods

• Sleeper: Gary Mars, Walmart Transportation

• Step Van: Eric Brockette, FedEx Freight

• Straight Truck: Jessie King, FedEx Freight

• Tanker: Marcus Rush, Walmart Transportation

• Twins: Dave Hall, ABF Freight

Looking Ahead: National Competition Bound

Each winner from the Arkansas Truck Driving Championship has now earned the privilege to advance to the highly anticipated national competition, scheduled for August 21-23 in Minneapolis. This next event puts state champions on the national stage, where they’ll compete with the best and further elevate the profile of Arkansas’s trucking professionals.

Image Source: Arkansas Trucking Association
Source: Truckers News

The post Arkansas Truck Driving Championship: Jeff Cochran Claims Second Grand Championship appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.