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

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Bringing a Classic Back to Life

The 1984 Mack R Model, originally custom-built for Johnny Prescott and Son Oil in Concord, New Hampshire, holds a special place in Mack’s legacy. For Grayce, restoring it was more than just a challenge; it was a personal mission.

“I’ve always preferred older trucks over new, and to me, there is nothing cooler than an old dog that looks new,” said Emmick. “Growing up around Mack trucks made it easy to fall in love with the brand. The first Mack I sat behind the wheel of is a 1985 R Model that has been on our farm since 1992.”

The year-long restoration project showcased a delicate balance of preserving history while incorporating subtle modern updates. The truck still boasts its original steering wheel cap, engraved with “Custom Built for Johnny Prescott Oil Co.,” and vintage Mack bulldog mirror ornaments featuring their distinctive long ears and tails. It’s a stunning example of how tradition can meet innovation.

An Icon in the World of Trucking

Doug Maney, curator of the Mack Trucks Historical Museum, hailed the significance of this restoration effort.

“The Mack R Model series is iconic in trucking history, creating the benchmark for American transportation from 1965 and maintaining it through the mid-2000s,” Maney explained. “The fact that our trucks are not just dependable tools is reinforced by the R model, generating a source of pride for their owners. Grayce’s influence and hands-on effort, preserving original details while thoughtfully modernizing others, helps us tell the story of Mack’s heritage and the evolution of trucking in America.”

Powered by Passion and Community

The restoration was made possible by the enthusiastic support of Mack fans and the trucking community. Jim Rymes of J & H Rymes and Daughters in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, donated the truck used as the base of the project. Gregg Hoffman with Underdog Transport in Bangor, Pennsylvania, volunteered to haul the truck to Grayce’s farm in Kentucky for the restoration.

“Mack fans are loyal, dedicated, and supportive,” said Maney. “The Mack brand roots itself into people just as it has American and world history.”

It didn’t stop there. Grayce’s partner, Gavin Spoor, also contributed to the project by donating a fifth wheel from his own truck, a vehicle that played a pivotal role in their relationship during a memorable 10-hour drive from Texas.

“Mack Trucks has been an integral part of my story, and being able to donate to their legacy is nothing short of empowering to me,” Grayce reflected.

Preserving History for Future Generations

The restored Mack R Model isn’t just a truck; it’s a testament to the fusion of craftsmanship and passion, bridging generational gaps in the trucking industry.

“We’re honored to welcome this historic R Model into our collection,” said Maney. “What makes this donation particularly special is how it bridges generations, combining the craftsmanship of Mack’s past with the passion of a young enthusiast who understands the importance of preserving our trucking heritage. It will serve as an inspiring example to museum visitors of Mack’s enduring quality and the continuing legacy of our favorite brand.”

A Restoration Journey Captured on Video

The restoration process unfolded publicly through a YouTube series, allowing viewers to follow Grayce’s meticulous work step by step. Through triumphs and challenges, the series emphasized the importance of learning by doing, a value Grayce holds close to her heart.

“Through the restoration series and seeing the end result in the museum, I hope visitors and viewers can appreciate the learning process,” she explained. “Nobody wants to learn the hard way, but sometimes that’s necessary to understand your limits, what you need to improve on, and how you can do better.”

A Farm with a Rich History

Grayce’s restoration work is deeply rooted in her personal history. As part of the eighth generation to run Emmick Farms, established in 1813 along the Ohio River in Lewisport, Kentucky, she carries on a legacy that spans more than two centuries. The farm, known for its corn, soybeans, and winter wheat, is steeped in history. Its riverbank was once home to Abraham Lincoln’s ferry business, where Abraham Lincoln won his first court case, forever shaping his political career.

Mack Trucks Historical Museum

The restored 1984 Mack R Model now proudly resides in the Mack Trucks Historical Museum, located within the Mack Experience Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This nonprofit museum celebrates its 40-year history of preserving and showcasing Mack’s invaluable contributions to American industry.

The 15,000-square-foot facility houses an impressive collection of 30 operational vintage vehicles, alongside archives that hold over 40 million pages of documents detailing Mack’s role in pivotal moments, from World War I to iconic infrastructure projects such as the Hoover Dam and the New York City subway system.

Visitors to the museum can now view Grayce’s remarkable restoration effort in person, joining the museum’s lineup of historical artifacts that tell the story of Mack’s dedication to excellence and innovation.

For more information about the Mack Trucks Historical Museum and its latest addition, visit Mack Trucks Historical Museum.

Source: The Trucker

Image: Grayce Emmick (Source: Mack)

The post Eighth-Generation Farmer Restores 1984 Mack R Model: A Heritage Reborn in Allentown, Pennsylvania appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

At just 49 years old, Chad Roberson, a third-generation truck driver from Fairfield, Illinois, has spent his life behind the wheel. But his connection to trucking goes deeper than just a profession—it’s a family legacy. Chad’s grandfather drove until he was 82, and his father, Everett, hauled loads until he passed away at the age of 67. For Chad, these big rigs have always been more than just vehicles; they’re a family tradition.

“I was raised around trucks since I was a kid, since I was born, and dad always had semis, and I was always in one,” he said.

Chad got his commercial freedom by officially starting Chad Roberson Trucking in 1994. Today, he works with a 2019 Kenworth T680, primarily hauling food and produce to Walmart distribution centers across the Midwest. However, this modern workhorse isn’t the truck closest to his heart. That honor goes to the 2000 Kenworth W900 his father owned before passing away in 2007.

The Truck That Got Away

Everett’s 2000 Kenworth W900 wasn’t just any truck—its bright yellow paint, chosen by Chad’s mother, Marsha, made it iconic. Marsha, who loved yellow roses, passed in 2004, and Everett followed three years later due to colon cancer. At that time, Everett still had money left to pay on the rig. Struggling with grief, Chad told the bank to “do what you gotta do with it,” and the truck was sold.

For years, the W900 disappeared into the distance, until a serendipitous moment in 2022 changed everything.

A Sign from Above

While attending the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, Chad’s wife asked him about his dad’s truck. “It had a lot of sentimental value,” he admitted. “This truck is on my mom and dad’s tombstone.”

Back home, scrolling idly through Facebook Marketplace, Chad stumbled upon a listing for a yellow Kenworth W900. Instantly, he recognized the model. “Just by the pinstriping, I could tell it was my dad’s truck,” Chad said. While his wife was skeptical, the telltale signs—yellow paint, a Signature 600 Cummins engine, and purple fenders added after its sale—confirmed his suspicions.

“I really think a lot that somebody upstairs had a lot to do with this,” he said. After reaching out to the seller, Chad confirmed the truck’s VIN and learned it had traveled through a few owners before ending up on Facebook Marketplace. Fate was on his side; the listing had only been live for 30 minutes when he spotted it.

Within two weeks, Chad was on a plane to Medford, Oregon, where he finalized the purchase. “They picked me up, and I drove the truck home,” he said.

A Restorative Labor of Love

Once back in Illinois, the first step was ensuring the truck was roadworthy. “That truck was away from us for 15 years … and the guy had only put like 300,000 miles on it in 15 years,” Chad said, amazed at its condition. After driving the W900 for a year, he decided to restore it.

“Cosmetically, I put in new stacks, replaced tanks, and dressed it out real nice,” he explained. Now, the key decision rests on the paint scheme. Should he stick with the yellow Marsha loved or go with his personal preference for black and incorporate yellow accents as a tribute?

“Mom chose that beautiful yellow because of her love for yellow roses,” Chad reflected. “If I do change it, I’ll still keep that color in the frame or somewhere special.”

Carrying the Legacy Forward

For Chad, restoring the W900 isn’t just about memory—it’s about showcasing his family’s legacy in the trucking industry. One of Chad’s father’s dreams was to make it into the Shell Rotella calendar. Now, Chad hopes to complete the truck’s restoration and enter it into the Shell Rotella SuperRigs show.

“That would be the icing on the cake,” Chad said. “Dad was the definition of a true truck driver’s truck driver. Everyone knew it.”

Keeping the Heart of a Family Alive

Today, the W900 symbolizes more than just sentimental value; it represents hard work, dedication, and the enduring love of family. “This truck stays in the family until I die,” Chad stated.

With every mile it travels, Chad Roberson’s W900 serves as a rolling tribute to two generations of truck drivers who made their mark one road at a time. For Chad, it’s not just about the truck—it’s about honoring the extraordinary lives that came before him.

And if the W900 does make it to the Shell Rotella calendar? That would be more than just a win—it would be a legacy fulfilled.

Source: Overdrive

Image: Chad Roberson

The post A Father’s Trucking Legacy Rescued After 15 Years appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.