Saturday, March 29, 2014

OOIDA members stand out in PKY Memorial Truck Beauty Championship

I know these trucks and their drivers have hard jobs. They will tell you about them if you ask. They run down the road just about every day. They pay their bills and miss their families and fix the things that go wrong. They prepare for a truck beauty competition like warriors. No weather conditions too miserable, no delays acceptable.

They also drive awesome trucks. It’s part of who they are. No excuses for dirt or grime. Their tractors and trailers gleam with fresh paint, polished aluminum and sparkly chrome. When they tell you it’s a working truck, you can believe them.

They’re the folks who represent many of the things that are best about our industry. They say no to cheap freight; they’re good money managers; they know how to turn a customer for one load into a customer for the long haul; they’re truck drivers, owner-operators and small fleet owners.

“The Pursuit of Excellence” was the theme and the goal for the 25th Anniversary Paul K Young Memorial Truck Beauty Championship, and results reflected every bit of it.

Theresa DeSantis' 1985 Peterbilt 359.
(Photo courtesy of Rockwood Products)
For OOIDA Member Theresa DeSantis of Apache Junction, Ariz., winning was a dream come true and very unexpected. Her first competition was at the Great West Trucking Show in Las Vegas in 2010. She got hooked on the camaraderie and a trophy for her efforts as a brand-new competitor and came back the following year. All while working her 1985 red and orange striped Peterbilt 359. It’s a sweet ride that blends the old 359 feel with some modern conveniences. And it’s clean – like “eat off the frame” clean. Her results? Four trophies including Best of Show Working Bobtail.

Joel Dawes' 1988 Pete 379.
(Photo courtesy of Rockwood Products)
Joel Dawes and his son AJ, son and grandson of OOIDA Life Member Maurice Dawes, parked in one spot but competed in two shows. His white and green 1988 Peterbilt 379 named “Family Tradition” grabs a lot of attention. Big, sturdy, cleaned and detailed, Dawes’ truck was also competing for the championship of the National Association of Show Trucks. Judges came from both sides of the convention center to include him in their tallies. And when it was done, he took trophies from both events – including a first-place win from NAST.

Ryan Derrickson's 1999 Pete 379 and 2014 Great Dane reefer.
(Photo by Suzanne Stempinski)
Rising star OOIDA Member Ryan Derrickson of Medford, Wisc., brought out his recently refreshed 1999 Peterbilt 379 and 2014 Great Dane reefer, which is loaded with wow and an attention to detail that is bringing him more than a little notice. Look for Derrickson to be a hot contender in 2014.

Bill Rethwisch's 2013 Pete 389 and 2012 Polar tanker.
(Photo by Suzanne Stempinski)
The hottest guy on the lot, continuing a winning streak that started in 2013 and is racing forward without missing a beat is OOIDA Member Billy Rethwisch out of Tomah, Wisc. His 2013 championship tractor was parked inside the convention center while his newest entry for 2014, a 2013 Peterbilt 389 and painted to match 2012 Polar tanker trailer, is a lime green and white sensation. With four first-place trophies and Best of Show Working Combo on a truck that turns heads as well as miles, Rethwisch is now back at work hauling gas around the Midwest. His trucks don’t slow down and they always look good. He’s running to be the best, always.


Larry Graves' 1023 Peterbilt 389 and 2014 Mississippi tanker
(Photo by Suzanne Stempinski)
Best of Show Limited Mileage Combo was awarded to Larry Graves of Farmers Oil, Afton, Okla. Both at night with a dazzling display of lights and during the day with impeccably detailed chrome, stainless and aluminum; the aptly named “Silver Lining,” a 2013 Peterbilt 389 pulling a 2014 Mississippi tanker, turned heads from the front row to the back.

Bill Bowling's 1978 Kenworth W900A.
(Photo by Rockwood Products)
Bill Bowling of Fostoria, Ohio, won the hearts and minds of the judges and competitors alike with his black with gold striped 1978 Kenworth W900A. With a nod to yesterday and the LED-lit brilliance of today, this clean old truck swept into the top spot as Best of Show Limited Mileage Bobtail.

Brian Davis' 2005 Peterbilt 379 and 2012 Wilson hopper.
(Photo by Suzanne Stempinski)
One of the most coveted trophies is the People’s Choice Award. Voted by the public and his peers, Brian Davis had a smile brighter than sunshine when his name was called to receive this prestigious award. His 2005 blue and black Peterbilt 379 and 2012 Wilson hopper trailer literally rocked the crowds. With a stereo system that has enough wattage, speakers and sound for a football stadium, he had to load the trailer with corn just to keep it grounded. We’ll be seeing a lot more of this “Superfreak.”

Below are the complete results from the Paul K. Young Memorial Truck Beauty Championship:

Limited Mileage Combo
Larry Graves – 2013 Peterbilt 389 and 2014 Mississippi Tanker

Limited Mileage Bobtail
Bill Bowling – 1978 Kenworth W900A

Working Combo
Bill Rethwisch Jr. – 2013 Peterbilt 389 and 2012 Polar tanker

Working Bobtail
Theresa S. DeSantis – 1985 Peterbilt 359 EXHD

Jake Eilen Award
Josh Ihlenfeld – 2014 Kenworth W900 and 2008 Utility reefer

People’s Choice
Brian Davis – 2005 Peterbilt 379 and 2012 Wilson DH501

Best Combo Lights
Larry Graves – 2013 Peterbilt 389 and 2014 Mississippi tanker

Best Bobtail Lights
Ryan Almon – 2014 Peterbilt 389

Best Combo Paint and Graphics (tie)
Vinnie Diorio – 2013 Peterbilt 389 and 2008 Mac flatbed curtain
Larry Graves – 2013 Peterbilt 389 and 2014 Mississippi tanker

Best Bobtail Paint and Graphics
Bill Bowling 1978 Kenworth W900A

Best Engine
Larry Graves – 2013 Peterbilt 389 and 2014 Mississippi tanker

Best Interior
Larry Graves – 2013 Peterbilt 389 and 2014 Mississippi tanker

Limited Mileage – Combo
2. Vinnie Diorio – 2013 Peterbilt 389 and 2008 Mac flatbed curtain
3. Brian Davis – 2005 Peterbilt 379 and 2012 Wilson DH501
4. Mike Manuel – 1984 Peterbilt 359 and 2003 Benson flatbed
5. Donald Bowling – 2006 Peterbilt 379 and 2012 Mac doubles

Limited Mileage – Bobtail
2. Ryan Almon – 2014 Peterbilt 389
3. Ryan Van Haitsma – 2012 Peterbilt 389
4. Rick Anderson – 2014 Peterbilt 389
5. Johnny Boulay – 2005 Kenworth W900L

Working Combo – Lights
1. Bill Rethwisch Jr. – 2013 Peterbilt 389 and 2012 Polar tanker
2. Daniel Brubaker – 2014 Peterbilt 389 and 2015 Wilson livestock
3. Shawn Cielke – 2007 Kenworth T600 and 2014 Wabash reefer

Working Bobtail – Lights
1. Dallas McCord – 2007 Peterbilt 379
2. Bob and Shelley Brinker – 2000 Freightliner ClassicXL
3. Chad Sand – 2013 Peterbilt 389

Working Combo – Custom Paint, Graphics and Murals
1. Bill Rethwisch Jr. – 2013 Peterbilt 389 and 2012 Polar tanker
2. Ryan Derrickson – 1999 Peterbilt 379 and 2014 Great Dane Everest
3. Eric Bilgo – 1995 Peterbilt 379 and 2014 Mac Flatbed

Working Bobtail – Custom Paint, Graphics and Murals
1. Bob and Shelley Brinker – 2000 Freightliner ClassicXL
2. Theresa S. DeSantis – 1985 Peterbilt 359 EXHD
3. Dallas McCord – 2007 Peterbilt 379

Working Engine
1. Bill Rethwisch Jr. – 2013 Peterbilt 389
2. Ryan Derrickson – 1999 Peterbilt 379
3. Bob and Shelley Brinker – 2000 Freightliner ClassicXL

Working Interior – OEM Sleeper and Cab
1. Bob and Shelley Brinker – 2000 Freightliner ClassicXL
2. Ryan Derrickson – 1999 Peterbilt 379
3. Dallas McCord – 2007 Peterbilt 379

Working Interior – Cab Only
1. Daniel Brubaker – 2014 Peterbilt 389
2. Theresa S. DeSantis – 1985 Peterbilt 359 EXHD
3. Eric Bilgo – 1995 Peterbilt 379

Antique
1. Dave Friend – 1986 Peterbilt 359 EXHD
2. Matt Kelley – 1987 Mack R-Model
3. David P. Schnautz – 1981 Kenworth W900A

First Show – Combo
1. Alan Tepool – 2006 Peterbilt 379 and 2015 Wilson livestock
2. Mark Francois – 1985 Peterbilt 359 and 2003 Reitnouer flatbed
3. Brian Martin – 2003 Kenworth W900L and 2014 Wilson livestock

First Show – Bobtail
1. Chad Sand – 2013 Peterbilt 389
2. Dana Casto – 2005 Peterbilt 335
3. Larry Derr – 2014 Kenworth 680

Company Owned – Combo
1. Tom Scholton – 2012 Peterbilt 389 and 2013 Utility dry van
2. Zac Pletcher – 2012 Kenworth T-800 and 2013 Mac flatbed
3. Steven McDermid – 2000 Kenworth W900L and 2007 Great Dane reefer

Company Owned – Bobtail
1. Isaac Aguilar – 2005 Peterbilt 379
2. Ron Miles – 1998 Peterbilt 379
3. David Green – 2013 Freightliner Cascadia

New Truck – Combo
1. Daniel Brubaker – 2014 Peterbilt 389 and 2015 Wilson kivestock
2. Juan Jose Covarrubias – 2014 Freightliner Cascadia and 2013 Wilson flatbed curtain
3. Mike Kleean – 2014 Peterbilt 389 and 2014 E-Pack dump

New Truck – Bobtail
1. Nate Mason – 2013 Peterbilt 389
2. Rodney L Smith – 2013 Peterbilt 389
3. Chris Faine – 2014 Freightliner Coronado

Working Combo – 2006 and newer
1. Bill Rethwisch Jr. – 2013 Peterbilt 389 and 2012 Polar tanker
2. Shawn Cielke – 2007 Kenworth T600 and 2014 Wabash reefer
3. Dwight Earle – 2007 Kenworth W900L and 2015 East dump train

Working Combo, 2005 and older
1. Ryan Derrickson – 1999 Peterbilt 379 and 2014 Great Dane Everest
2. Eric Bilgo – 1995 Peterbilt 379 and 2014 Mac flatbed
3. Kenneth Fisher – 1997 Peterbilt 379 and 2007 East

Working Bobtail – 2000 and newer
1. Dallas McCord – 2007 Peterbilt 379
2. Mike Badyk – 2014 Peterbilt 389
3. Marty Warner – 2013 Peterbilt 388 glider

Working Bobtail – 1999 and older
1. Theresa S. DeSantis – 1985 Peterbilt 359 EXHD
2. Joel Dawes – 1988 Peterbilt 379

3. Troy Huddleston – 1991 Freightliner 120 Classic

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