July
2010
"STORIES"

By Pam Pollock, Editor

LEXINGTON, VA....Southern hospitality – it's legendary.  Books and movies tout the graciousness extended to visitors and guests by their Southern hosts.  Never was this statement truer than at the recent 28th Annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs Truck Show hosted at the Lee Hi Travel Plaza in Lexington, Virginia.  Bobby Berkstresser, the owner of Lee Hi Travel Plaza and his staff rolled out the red carpet and created a memorable experience for show attendees.  Working closely with local town officials and the Chamber of Commerce, Berkstresser went above and beyond expectations and organized a Truck Parade through the streets of beautiful and historic Lexington.  It was wonderful to see hundreds and hundreds of people line the sidewalks, cheering wildly as each truck maneuvered its way down the cobbled streets.  Young and old alike waved the colorful yellow and black Shell Rotella SuperRigs spectator towels in support of the Professional Truck Drivers and their magnificent machines that keep America moving for all of us!

Berkstresser also arranged for a carnival to be set up on the grounds of the Lee Hi Travel Plaza and promoted the show tirelessly to the community.  The result was a coming together of hometown and the trucking industry.  Townspeople and truckers mingled together, enjoying a spectacular fireworks show by Shell Rotella.  Truckers enthusiastically talked about trucking and trucks with the show attendees and proudly posed for photos by their Big Rigs.  There was even a special Trucker's Movie Night at the Hull's Drive-In Theater across the road from the Lee Hi.  The feature presentation?  The classic Burt Reynolds movie, Smokey and the Bandit!

"The Shell Rotella SuperRigs® event is one of the most anticipated events of the year for truckers, and it allows us to honor drivers and provide them the ability to showcase their amazing trucks each year," said Mark Reed, global brand manager, Shell Rotella. "After we launched the Shell Rotella® Energized Protection™ portfolio of heavy duty engine oils last fall, we were determined to energize the Shell Rotella SuperRigs® event as well.  LEE HI Travel Plaza is a great location, we have added a lot of fun events, and the community support from the Lexington area has been tremendous."

The National Tractor Pull Association Shell Rotella mini-modified tractor made its debut at Shell Rotella SuperRigs®.  Puller Larry Koester, a multi-time NTPA mini-modified division champion, attended all three days of the event.  The Rotella Road Show, which uses visual demonstrations to highlight the capabilities and benefits of Shell Rotella® Energized Protection™ engine oils, was also on display.

Sixty-five trucks were registered at the show. Judges had their work cut out for them, as all the trucks were beautiful, shining brilliantly in the hot Virginia sun. Without further ado, I present The 2010 Shell Rotella SuperRigs Award Winners:

Best of Show - $10,000; Case of Shell Rotella T, Lee Hi Prize Package; Place in the 2011 Shell SuperRigs Calendar - Todd Roccapriore, Hebron, CT, 2004 Peterbilt 379

 Best of Show 1st Runner Up - $4,000, Case of Shell Rotella T, Lee Hi Prize Package -

Jerry Beaudoin, Southington, CT, 2007 Peterbilt

 Best of Show 2nd Runner Up - $2,000; Case of Shell Rotella T, Lee Hi Prize Package - Jonathan Eilen, Hampton, MN, 2010 Peterbilt 389

Tractor/Trailer Division:  1st--Scott Diller, Bethel PA, 2007 Kenworth W900L, Trailer:  2008 Mac Stepdeck; 2nd-Chris and Denise Jones, Accokeek, MD, 2007 Kenworth W900, Trailer:  2006 Utility Van; 3rd- Cecil Wolfe, Blue Ridge, VA, 2007 Legacy Class Peterbilt 379.  Trailer:  2010 CPS Bottom Drop; 4th -  Shawn Steven Cielke, Haugan, MT, 2006 Kenworth W900B.  Trailer:  2006 Wabash; 5th -  Brian Dreher, Campbellsport, WI, 2001 Peterbilt.  Trailer: 2000 Great Dane

Tractor Division: 1st - Mike Manuel, Front Royal, VA, 2006 Peterbilt 379; 2nd - Jeff Hyde, Eagle Lake, FL, 2007 W900 Kenworth; 3rd - WL and Joyce Shomaker, Stephen City, VA, 2006 Peterbilt 379 Flat Top; 4th - Chad Blackwell, Greenville VA, 2007 Peterbilt 379; 5th Nathan Deacon, Lexington, VA, 2005 Peterbilt 379

Classic Division: Jerry Kissinger, Stoughton, WI, 1991 Mack Superliner; 2nd - Bill and Cody Warner, Circleville, West Virginia, 1987 359 Peterbilt; 3rd - MD Mullins Heavy Haulin, Bealeton, VA, 1996 Kenworth L900; 4th - Willard J Good, Denver, PA, 1954 LT Mack; 5th - Jerald Harris, Harrisonburg, VA, 1976 Peterbilt 359

People's Choice:  Jerry Kissinger, Stoughton, WI, 1991 Mack Superliner

Best Engine: Todd Roccapriore, Hebron, CT, 2004 Peterbilt 379

Best Lights: Todd Roccapriore

Best Chrome: Todd Roccapriore

Best Theme: Todd Roccapriore

Best Mural: Neil Messerley

Best Interior: Todd Roccapriore

Kudos to Shell Rotella, Lee Hi Travel Plaza and all of Professional Truck Drivers and their rigs for an outstanding truck show.  The 28th Annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs® proved that the show is not just for truckers, but a wonderful opportunity to showcase the trucking industry in a positive light to the public.  Southern hospitality, professional truck drivers who cast themselves favorably as positive role models and Shell Rotella oil – now that's something to crow about!