On the last day of the Mid-America Truck Show, Bud Farquhar and Eric Hartley, from Red Eye Radio, announced the winners of the 23rd annual Paul K. Young Truck Beauty Competition in front of a full auditorium.
Rows of awards stood erect and gleaming at the podium. One by one each winner was called down to accept his or her award. Many of the recipients took the walk to the podium more than once, winning in more than one category. As award winners took their walk to the podium, cheers, hoots and razzes were called from the crowd.
Perhaps the most tear-jerking moment of the ceremony came toward the end of the ceremony when the family of Jake Eilen presented the ‘Jake Eilen’ Award.
Some of the day’s most memorable events were when Donald Bowling’s breast cancer tribute themed truck won “Custom Paint Combo,” “Best Working Combo” and “Best Company Combo,” when the “Kick-Start” award was given to young Coleman Doverspike, who joyfully announced to the crowd that he designed his truck the way he did because he loves Smokey and the Bandit.
In case you missed it, CDLLife put together this video of highlights from the ceremony and a list of a few of the winners:
People’s Choice- Randy Stroup
Working Bobtail- Bob and Shelly Brinker
Working Combo- John O’Keefe
Limited Mileage Bobtail-Bill and Marie Sandvik
Limited Mileage Combo-Randy Stroup
Jake Eilen “Pride In Your Ride”- William Rethwisch
Outstanding Truck Build Achievement Award- Clarion County Career Center
Best Peterbilt Award- Randy Stroup
Best Theme Award- Donald Bowling
Best Use of Chrome Bobtail- Bill and Marie Sandvik
Best Use of Chrome Combo- Paul Voigt
Most Technologically Advanced Cab Award- Rebecca Aurenz
“Kick-Start” Truck Build Award- Coleman Doverspike
1st Place Working Combo -Jerry Kissinger
1st Place Bobtail- David Foster
1st Place Working Combo, 2003 or newer- John O’Keffe
1st Place Antique- Eric Hardge
1st Place First Show Combo- Daniel Raible
1st Place First Show Bobtail- Patric Matte
1st Place Working New Truck- Nick Baudino
For the complete list of winners visit the Paul K Young Truck Beauty Show website.