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

Meet the new ride ...

There was only one thing to do with the new, one-of-a-kind Western Star designed by fans of the iconic truck maker, and that was to present it to OOIDA to use as the Association's new tour truck.

Western Star's Guy Lemieux presents the ceremonial key
to OOIDA Executive VicePresident Todd Spencer, and
OOIDA tour truck driver Jon Osburn.
Photo by David Tanner, Land Line Magazine

Decked out in a retro red-white-and-blue paint scheme, OOIDA's new tour truck will be hard to miss when it makes the rounds at truck stops and events around the country.

Western Star Marketing Segment Manager Guy Lemieux handed off the keys to OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer and Spirit of the American Trucker driver Jon Osburn on Friday morning at the Western Star exhibit at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Western Star's "Design Our Star Project" was a unique interactive concept because the fans called the shots on social media for what the truck would look like. Hint: It's got the biggest of everything available from the engine to the sleeper.

Jon will certainly be riding in style for the next two years. Keep an eye on the tour schedule in Land Line Magazine and on the Web and make sure you stop and see this truck in all its glory. Click here to watch a video of the presentation.

The all-access, back-stage, Wayne's World look at Wednesday at MATS

Most attendees are either plotting or plodding their way to Louisville at this point late on Tuesday evening. The LL crew is situated and settled in and ready to hit the ground running Wednesday morning.

I can sense the puzzled looks. The show doesn't start until Thursday. ... You're right it doesn't. But much like in "Wayne's World" when Wayne and Garth got the all-access passes to an Alice Cooper concert, that's pretty much what press credentials are like on the Wednesday before MATS starts.

Anyone who has been here knows the yellow windbreaker-clad people manning the doors. Some are sweet. Some are nice. Most are, well ... let's go with very serious about their jobs.

There have been plenty of times when I have had to flaunt my media credentials -- much like Wayne and Garth -- at them to get to where I need to be on Wednesday. See, it's the unofficial-official press kickoff for the show.

While the crews are finishing off booths, and maybe even starting them, the OEM, product and service suppliers and different groups are hosting press conferences. It's a full day.

But Wednesday is our chance to glimpse into the crystal ball of trucking's future. We'll talk the California Air Resources Board (hopefully), LNG/CNG/alt fuels, tires, aerodynamics, business tools and more.

Stay tuned and watch on Twitter too. We will be sneaking off to the show floor all day blogging and tweeting out sneak peeks. (It's the least we can do since we're like Wayne and Garth partying with Alice. ... Or in the real world actually getting to do what anyone without their own all-access pass to MATS can't do.)

Road trippin'

I admit it; I love getting sprung from the office for the Mid-America Trucking Show. Of course, I love the show and seeing so many friends and OOIDA members. But the road trip there is a blast too.

Our usual crew from Land Line includes LL's Editor-in-chief Sandi Soendker, Associate Editor Dave Tanner and me. We don't set out to break land speed records. we are firm subscribers to the philosophy that the trip there is half the fun.

So we're armed with a load of snacks -- most healthy, but not all -- Sirius XM is playing the classics, and we have a willingness to stop anywhere that intrigues us. We'll also snap plenty of photos along the way. You'll catch some of those here, like this uber cool one of the new Mississippi River Bridge Dave took instead of angling for the standard St. Louis Arch pic.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter, also. Lots going on over there too. @shewhoknowstruk (me), @LandLineCanuck (Dave), and @truck_editor (Sandi).