FORT WORTH, Texas—Peterbilt SuperFan Rick McClerkin already owns the one millionth Peterbilt truck, a Model 567 Heritage edition. Now he boasts the Best Antique Peterbilt as well.
The Milpitas, California, resident claimed the honor for his 1941 Model 344 during the 2023 Pride and Class truck show held in conjunction with the reveal of the ‘legendary’ Model 589 long-hood tractor May 9 at the Texas Motor Speedway. The show featured more than 200 trucks and drew thousands of Peterbilt customers, collectors, and fans.
“It had top-notch styling and was original throughout,” said Daniel Landholm, Peterbilt director of dealer network development, who revealed the award winners on stage inside the speedway track.
McClerkin was crowned the Peterbilt SuperFan during a ceremony at the 2018 Mid-America Truck Show in Louisville, Kentucky. The SuperFan search included more than 1,500 submissions.
Jake and Rosie Wheeler, of Wheeler Trucking, later were ruled to have tied for the Best Antique title, Peterbilt said.
See also: Peterbilt unveils ‘legendary’ Model 589
The Best Bobtail award went to Josh Burch, who is president of the East Texas Truck Center in Nacogdoches, Texas.
“This [truck] had unbelievable paint,” Landholm said. “It had paint on the inside of the upper portion of the hood, it had bullet holes in the fan, and it had bullets on the drivetrain, so it looked like the shell was going right through the fan.
“It was a pretty wicked design.”
Troy Massey, of Massey Motor Freight, also based in Nacogdoches, claimed the title of Best Combo truck for his cattle-hauling rig in a recurring theme. The last two winners also were combos with chrome-covered livestock trailers.
Conrad Shada, of Conrad Shada Trucking, claimed the People’s Choice award, which was voted on by fellow entrants; and Zach Strayer, of Strayer Sow Farms, secured Best in Show for the top entry across all categories.
View the gallery to see all the winners—and a whole lot more tricked-out truck treats.
