Louisville, KY — Jason Flores and his 2018 Peterbilt 389, known as the “Alfalfa Cruiser,” claimed the coveted People’s Choice award at the 35th annual PKY Truck Beauty Championship. The selection, determined by a vote from fellow drivers and show attendees, highlighted a competitive field of nearly 200 entries that showcased the best of custom and working-class rigs at this year’s Mid America Trucking Show.
The event serves as the premier stage for owner-operators to display the results of thousands of hours of labor, ranging from pristine antique restorations to modern working combinations. While the “Alfalfa Cruiser” took home the crowd-favorite title, the competition remained fierce across all categories, including the high-stakes Big Rig Build Off. Randy Menkel of Never Satisfied Builds and J and L Contracting secured the top spot in the build-off with a 1985 Peterbilt 359, outpacing other notable builders in a race against the clock.
Technical precision defined the limited mileage classes, where CJ Nairn’s 2025 Kenworth W900L took Best of Show for the no-miles bobtail category. Darryl Beger’s 2019 Peterbilt 389, “Mint Condition,” dominated the bobtail class with miles. In the working truck categories, Phillip Couch’s 1999 Freightliner Classic XL, “New Testament,” proved that rigs kept in daily service can maintain show-quality standards. These results underscore the dedication of the modern CDL-A driver to maintaining equipment that balances utility with aesthetic excellence.
What This Means for Drivers
For the average owner-operator, these championship rigs represent the pinnacle of pride in the profession, even if most drivers operate equipment strictly for profit. Seeing these builds at a major show demonstrates the value of proper preventative maintenance and aesthetic upkeep in protecting the long-term resale value of a tractor. Many trucking companies hiring today look for operators who show this level of care, as it often correlates with a driver’s commitment to safety and compliance with FMCSA regulations.
Industry Reaction
The consistent turnout at the PKY Championship highlights a thriving culture among professional drivers who view their trucks as more than just tools for freight hauling. Events like this foster a sense of community that is often missing for the OTR truck driver spending weeks on the road. By celebrating both antique iron and modern high-tech rigs, the industry continues to bridge the gap between legacy tradition and the future of heavy-duty transportation.
Key Points
- Jason Flores won the People’s Choice award with his 2018 Peterbilt 389 and 2018 XL double flatbeds.
- Randy Menkel of Never Satisfied Builds won the Big Rig Build Off using a 1985 Peterbilt 359.
- Best of Show in the working truck bobtail category went to Phillip Couch for his 1999 Freightliner Classic XL.
- The 35th annual competition featured nearly 200 individual truck entries across various categories.
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